Prentiss County officials announced that Austin Michael Smith, a 25-year-old inmate, was recaptured after escaping into the woods east of the Justice Center. Smith, who was on the county work program, ran away early Wednesday morning and was last seen running through the woods shirtless, wearing orange jail pants and red tennis shoes.
The escapee was identified as Smith, a white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 210 pounds. He was arrested the previous day and was scheduled for release Friday, authorities said. Officials emphasized that he is not considered armed or dangerous.
The search involved multiple agencies, including Booneville Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and Tupelo Police drone operators. The drone located Smith and guided officers on the ground to his position, officials said.
Anyone with information about Smith’s whereabouts was urged to contact 911 or the Prentiss County Sheriff’s Office at 662-728-6232.
The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude to all the agencies and personnel involved in the successful rescue.
