Published: May 08, 2008 12:11 pm      

Inmate escapes county jail

Ada — Law enforcement is conducting a manhunt for Mitchell Hoyt Shults, 33, Ada, who escaped from Pontotoc County jail Wednesday evening.

“Shults is a white male, 6 feet 5 inches tall, 185 pounds, with a shaved head, blue eyes, and numerous tattoos on his neck, arms, chest and back,” Undersheriff Joe Glover said. “He was last seen wearing gray sweat pants and a dark colored jacket. He should be considered armed and dangerous.”

Shults was placed in a locked visitation room to confer with his attorney. After the attorney left, Shults was left in the visitation room while the on-duty jailer was busy supervising the inmate dinner meal.

When the jailer returned to take Shults to his cell, he discovered he was missing, Glover said.

Authorities reviewed video surveillance and Shults was seen picking the lock with a small piece of metal he attained from an old telephone line which ran across the ceiling.

“I am confident we will apprehend this inmate and bring him back into custody,” Glover said. “Shults has an extensive past criminal record. He was waiting trial on several pending criminal charges, including grand larceny, first-degree arson, and termination from the Pontotoc County drug court program. Now he will additionally face escape charges.”

Shortly after the escape, officials used tornado sirens—which also act as a public announcement system—to warn the public to be on the lookout for Shults.

Glover said anyone with any information concerning Shults' whereabouts should immediately phone the Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Office at 580-332-4169, or their nearest law enforcement office.