Authorities are still searching for an inmate who walked away from a state correctional facility in McAlester last week and is believed to be in eastern Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections said 36-year-old Robey Butler walked away from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center at about 9 p.m. on Feb. 18. He was later determined to be a walk-away inmate, prompting an orange alert. It was confirmed by the Haskell Police Department that Butler took somebody hostage before releasing them.
The Haskell County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies began searching for Butler, who authorities say is believed to be in the Red Hill or Keota area.
Law enforcement officials warned the public not to approach Butler and said he should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him is advised to leave the area and call 911.
Over the weekend, agents with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics provided drone surveillance in a heavily wooded area in eastern Oklahoma to assist in the search. Authorities are asking anyone with information about Butler’s whereabouts to contact their local law enforcement agency.