The Bledsoe County Sheriff’s Office is combing the area for an inmate who escaped Monday through a steel door and over a razor-wire fence at the Bledsoe County Jail.
Paula Peters, Bledsoe County jail administrator, said officials believe James “Ellis” Russell, of Pikeville, Tenn., jimmied the lock of the steel door in his cell, which opened onto an outdoors fenced-in area. From there, Mr. Russell somehow got over the heavy razor wire covering the top of the fence.
Authorities said they’re searching for him across surrounding counties.
“We’ve tried to cover all bases of where he may be,” said Bledsoe County Sheriff Jim Morris. “We’re just going to keep searching.”
TO HELPIf you have information about Ellis Russell, call the Bledsoe Sheriff’s Office at 423-447-2197DESCRIPTION OF ELLIS RUSSELL* White male* Brown hair, mustache and beard* Hazel eyes* 6 foot 1, 160 poundsSource: Bledsoe County Sheriff’s Office