LONDON, Ky. - Police in southeastern Kentucky say a burglary suspect who told his lawyer he had to go went farther than expected.

A search is underway in Laurel County for 50-year-old Ricky Allen, who was expected to plead guilty to a burglary charge as his trial began Wednesday in London.

WKYT-TV in Lexington quoted police who said Allen asked for time to speak with his lawyer, then told the attorney he needed to use the rest room. He didn't come back.

The station reported Allen faces more than two dozen charges of theft and burglary in London and has several previous arrests.