KSP searching for escaped inmate

ROCKCASTLE COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – The search is on for a Rockcastle County inmate who escaped on Thursday.

Kentucky State Police say 35-year-old Justin Whitt escaped around 7:30 a.m.

They say a preliminary investigation indicates Whitt somehow walked past jail staff as they were letting inmates out of the Rockcastle County Detention Center for a work release detail.

When he walked outside the detention center, police say Whitt fled the area.

Authorities searched the area but were unable to do an aerial search due to bad weather conditions.

Whitt was in jail on several charges, wanton endangerment and criminal mischief.