Inmate escapes after becoming disruptive in court

CYNTHIANA, Ky. (WTVQ) – The search is on for an inmate who escaped custody during a court appearance Monday afternoon, according to the Harrison County jailer.

Investigators say Gary Courtney became disruptive in court, so he was moved to a holding room where he escaped.  Authorities say he managed to get into the basement and get out a back door while handcuffed, shackled and wearing a dark blue jail jumpsuit.

The jailer says it happened around 3:00 p.m.

Anyone with information about Courtney’s whereabouts is asked to contact Cynthiana Police at 859-234-7157, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department at 859-234-7135, State Police at 1-800-222-5555 or 911.

*Note:  The mug shot of Gary Courtney that accompanies this story is courtesy of The Cynthiana Democrat.