Inmate escapes briefly

CHARLESTON - A Southeast Correctional Center inmate who briefly escaped from a "medical outcount" at a Jefferson County Hospital was caught in Festus, according to Missouri Department of Corrections officials.

Anthony B. Cook is facing attempted escape and first degree assault charges after being apprehended without incident by Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies at approximately 11:12 a.m. Monday. He reportedly escaped from the hospital at 10:45 a.m.

In addition to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, DOC officers were assisted in their search by the Crystal City and Festus police departments and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Cook, who was received by the DOC on Jan. 14, 1988, is serving a 22-year sentence for the following charges out of St. Louis County: first degree burglary; five counts of second degree burglary; five counts of stealing over $150; stealing a firearm; three counts of first degree tampering with a witness; and violence to an inmate.