Inmate escapes from New Madrid County Jail

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Authorities are searching for a New Madrid County inmate who escaped early Saturday after breaking security windows from inside the jail.

According to New Madrid County Sheriff's Department personnel, the breakout by offender Michael P. Blackmon, 31, was believed to have happened around 4:32 a.m. Jail staff discovered a security window in his cell had been broken and another window leading into the courtyard was also broken. Towels, which had been tied together, were found on the jail's roof.

Blackmon's jail uniform was found discarded in New Madrid.

Blackmon was in custody at the jail from a change of venue from Butler County. He was previously convicted of having an illegal weapon, a shank, while in custody. As of press time, Blackmon had not been apprehended and is considered by authorities to be dangerous.

Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact the New Madrid County Sheriff's office at 573-748-2516.

Pertinent address:

New Madrid, Mo.