UPDATE: An inmate is back behind bars after spending about four hours on the run Tuesday evening.

William Powell escaped from Crenshaw County Jail at around 7:30 p.m., said Sheriff Charles West.

“He’s a small fellow and was just able to get between a wire fence and a building,” West said.

Luverne police officers and state troopers assisted the sheriff’s deputies in the search, which ended at around 11:30 p.m. Powell was found just north of the Smart plant off U.S. Highway 331.

West said the search had concentrated on that vicinity after K-9 units had tracked Powell’s scent.

“We’ve got him surrounded,” said West about two hours into the search.

He then provided a description of the inmate and said Powell was not dangerous.

West said Powell would be charged for his four-hour jaunt. “He’ll be looking at some time,” he said.

 

Below is the original post:

The search is on for an inmate who escaped from the Crenshaw County Jail today. Crenshaw County Sheriff Charles West said William Powell may still be in the vicinity of the Smart Plant.

“We’ve got him surrounded,” West said.

Luverne police officers and state troopers are assisting the sheriff’s deputies in the search.

Powell was last seen wearing blue jeans and boots. He is a white male in his mid to late 20s with dark hair.

West said he should not be considered dangerous. He asked that anyone who sees him call 911.