A 35-year-old Haitian national escaped the D. Ray James Correctional Facility in Folkston on Sunday by climbing over a razor wire-topped fence, Charlton County Sheriff Robert Phillips said.
FOLKSTON, Ga. — Authorities issued a public safety alert Sunday after an inmate escaped from the D. Ray James Correctional Facility, according to the Charlton County Emergency Management Agency.
Sheriff Robert Phillips said the inmate, identified as 35-year-old Haitian national Beneck Barthold, was reported missing at about 10 a.m. Sunday. He was last seen wearing his hair in dreadlocks.
Phillips said Barthold may be injured after reportedly removing all his clothing and scaling the razor wire-lined fence surrounding the prison. Investigators believe he headed east into a wooded area behind the facility.
Authorities found blood nearby, but Barthold had not been located. A drone and two K9 teams joined the search, though the dogs eventually lost his trail in the woods, according to Phillips.
“Officers will be patrolling the area throughout the night, and search efforts will be upgraded in the morning,” the sheriff said late Sunday.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and avoid approaching anyone who matches Barthold’s description.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call 911 immediately.
Phillips told First Coast News that Barthold was scheduled to be deported.
