Inmate facing drug charge escapes Adair Co. jail

Published On: Nov 09 2012 09:07:27 PM CST
STILWELL, Okla. -

Officials in Adair County say an inmate escaped the county jail after apparently spilling cleaning chemicals to create a diversion.

   The Adair County Sheriff's Office says 24-year-old Nicholas Ames escaped the county jail at about 6 p.m. Thursday. Ames was being held on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine.

   Officials tell Fort Smith, Ark., television station KHBS that Ames was working as a trustee on kitchen duty shortly before he escaped. Officials allege that Ames mixed some chemicals that created fumes, which led to the evacuation of inmates and staff.

   Authorities say Ames escaped the jail during the commotion.

   The sheriff's office says Ames may be headed to northwest Arkansas.

   He's described as a white man, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. He has a shaved head.