Escaped US inmate, ex-jail officer caught

"This has ended a very long and stressful and challenging week and a half. It ended the way that we knew it would. They are in custody," Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton of Alabama said.

In Indiana, Vanderburgh County Sheriff Dave Wedding said officials learned on Monday their vehicle was near the sheriff's office.

As officers arrived, Casey and Vicky White fled in the vehicle and led police on a chase, he said. US Marshals collided with them "to try to end the pursuit".

Casey White was injured in the ensuing crash and Vicky White then shot herself, causing "very serious" injuries, he said.

The two had been the target of a nationwide manhunt since April 29 when Vicky White, the assistant director of corrections for the jail in Lauderdale County, allegedly helped engineer the escape of Casey White, who was awaiting trial in a capital murder case.

Vicky White had told co-workers she was taking the inmate from the jail for a mental health evaluation at the courthouse, but the two instead fled the area.

Casey White was serving a 75-year prison sentence for attempted murder and other charges.

"We got a dangerous man off the street today. He is never going to see the light of day again," Singleton said.

Vicky White was charged with permitting or facilitating escape in the first degree.

Vicky White's family and co-workers said they were stunned by her involvement. Singleton had said it appeared the plan had been in the works for some time.

Inmates said the two had a special relationship and she gave Casey White better treatment than other inmates.

She had recently sold her home and bought what would become the getaway car that authorities later found abandoned in Tennessee.

Their pick-up truck was found on Monday in Evansville after US Marshals received a tip that it was seen at a car wash in the town.

Investigators believe the truck was stolen in Tennessee and then driven about 280 kilometres to Evansville.