Police are still looking for a felon who escaped the Columbia County Detention Facility in Lake City early Wednesday morning.At about 4 a.m. an inmate told detention deputies that 42-year-old Steve Roberts escaped during the night.
Roberts is a white man, 5 feet 9 inches tall and 180 pounds, with blue eyes and short brown hair. He has an extensive criminal history involving thefts, weapons possession and property crimes.
Roberts has listed an address in Jacksonville, and local law enforcement has been briefed on the incident.
Deputies believe Roberts left sometime on Tuesday night by climbing through ductwork and forcing a vent cover off, allowing him access to the outside of the facility. Investigators said it is highly unlikely Roberts acted alone, and deputies are interviewing the other inmates.
Deputies said this is the only escape from this facility in the last five years. In the wake of this incident, Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter has ordered a complete review of jail procedures and an inspection of the detention facility.
Anyone who sees Roberts is asked to call the Columbia County Sheriff's Office at 386-719-2005 or local law enforcement.
You can follow Patrick Donges on Twitter @patrickhdonges.
