Work release escape suspect arrested

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Authorities say Ronald Wayne Boone, 35, had been in a work release program with a local auto shop since facing a grand theft auto charge in 2012.

But now deputies say he's back behind bars facing even harsher charges.

On February 22, deputies say Boone arrived at work.

"He did arrive at work, we know that. At sometime, a woman arrived in a black truck to bring him work boots," said Lt. Mike Ward with the Escambia County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies say Linda Slayton, 32, showed up and she and Boone disappeared.

After nearly a week, deputies say an anonymous tip led to a local motel.

Deputies set up surveillance, spotting both Slayton and Boone leaving a room and getting into a truck.

"As they began to drive off, deputies converged on the vehicle and got it stopped. Once it was stopped, the female told Boone to run," Lt. Ward said.

Ward says Slayton is facing charges from helping Boone.

 "You never know what's going through people's minds. Maybe she thinks she's doing the right thing for him so they could be together. But it was irrational," said Lt. Ward, "When a person's on work release, all you have to do is keep your nose clean, finish your time and go home. Now Boone has compounded his problems ten-fold by doing this. He'll face even more time."

Boone is now facing escape charges.

Slayton was charged with aiding a prisoner's escape.

Deputies say she's also facing drug charges after they found meth and drug paraphenalia.