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3 inmates escape from Louisiana detention center

Richard Sharkey
Alexandria (La.) Town Talk
Willie E. Ethridge, 34, escaped with two others Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, from the Natchitoches Parish (La.) Detention Center.

ALEXANDRIA, La. — Authorities in Louisiana are searching for three inmates who escaped from a detention center.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office said the inmates escaped from Dorm B of the parish's detention center after 10 p.m. Saturday, and then jumped over two rolls of razor-wire fence.

The escapees were not armed at the time of the escape, but “they should be considered dangerous, and extreme caution should be used if seen,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

The escapees are Willie E. Ethridge, 34; Michael Elliot, 24; and Walshea Mitchell, 35.

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Ethridge was imprisoned on one count of attempted second-degree murder and two counts of armed robbery, the release said. He was to be in jail until 2037.

Elliot was serving time until 2019 for illegal possession of stolen things and theft of a motor vehicle, authorities said.

Michael Elliot, 24, escaped from  Natchitoches Parish (La.) Detention Center on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016.

Mitchell was serving time until 2035 for armed robbery with a weapon and attempted armed robbery, according to the release.

Two of the escapees were last seen wearing black sweatpants and black, long-sleeve sweatshirts, while the third escapee was last seen wearing gray sweatpants and a gray, long-sleeve shirt.

Walshea Mitchell, 35, escaped from  Natchitoches Parish (La.) Detention Center on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016.

The investigation is continuing.

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