Thursday, March 6, 2008

Lawrence Inmate Escapes Custody

   Authorities and citizens were put on the alert last week when an inmate of the Lawrence County Jail walked away from a work detail, escaping custody just four days before he was scheduled to be released.

   Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Terry Beecham indicated Thursday that the inmate, Michael Ray Looker, age 44, had been incarcerated at the temporary jail facility, located on Baler Drive in the industrial park.

   Beecham said that Looker had been assigned Wednesday to work at the bale fill, situated directly adjacent to the temporary jail. Around 12:30 p.m., officials discovered that Looker had left the premises without authorization.

   Looker had been jailed under several charges, including theft, burglary, vandalism and possession of drug paraphernalia. Although he is not considered dangerous, Beecham implores the public to contact his department at 762-3626, should he be sighted.

   Looker is described as a white male, five foot, eight inches in height, weighing approximately 140 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. Facial hair includes a mustache and goatee.

   Looker had been scheduled for release on Sunday, March 9.

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