Police searching for jail escapee in Charleston

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Police are searching for an inmate who escaped Saturday from the Mississippi County jail.

At about 6 p.m. Saturday the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department received information that prisoner Edward Lusk, 49, of Bloomfield had gained access to a utility area within the detention center, according to a news release early Sunday from Marc Tragesser with Mississippi County Sheriff's Department.

"Lusk used that access to reach the roof of the facility and escape. Lusk was being held on a warrant from Stoddard County," Tragesser said.

He is described as a white male with blue eyes; brown, thinning hair; average height; and slender build. Lusk was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, orange detention facility shirt, pants and shoes.

Lusk was being held on felony charges. If seen, Tragesser said do not approach him but contact the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department at 573-683-2111, a local police department or dial 911.

The Mississippi County Sheriff's Department, Charleston Department of Public Safety, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Stoddard County Sheriff's Department are investigating.