Police continue search for escaped inmate in Morehead

Authorities say Anthony Martinez fled custody at St. Claire Hospital early Tuesday morning

MOREHEAD, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Authorities issued a public safety alert early this morning as they continue their search for an escaped inmate in Morehead.

Local and state police, along with other agencies, are working to locate Anthony Martinez, who escaped from UK St. Claire Hospital around 3 a.m. while in the custody of Rowan County Detention Center guards.

“So this individual ran from the deputy jailers, at some point to the best of my knowledge they did try to deploy a tazer it was ineffective and he was able to escape custody,“ said Captain Josh Ison with the Morehead Police Department.

Police say Martinez was spotted at the Boot Ranch, only a few blocks from the police department and just down the street from the hospital where he got away.

Authorities are urging the public to remain alert.

“It was news to me that was the first time I hear about it … looking over your shoulder kind of thing I guess, I ain’t to worried about it, but it definitely put something in the back of your mind,” said community member Roger Workman.

“I just don’t want no one to get hurt,” said community member Jackie Goodpascer.

Police say Martinez has a federal detainer for robbery and weapon offenses and has been convicted. They also noted he is not from the Morehead area, but has ties to Louisville and Indiana.

A special response team has been activated. Authorities say they’re using a large police presence, drones, and other technology in the ongoing search.

“We’re basically just being very hyper-vigilant in the downtown Morehead area, looking any place we can find him,” Captain Ison said.
“I do not think that this individual is an active threat to the public, however I do think he is, got the potential to be a dangerous individual if cornered,” said Captain Ison.

Officials noted that Martinez currently does not have a beard or any facial hair, unlike in his mug shot.

If you see him, authorities stress you should not approach him, instead, call 911.