The Jones County Sheriff’s Department set up a perimeter along Interstate 59 near Ellisville Friday afternoon after two inmates escaped from the Jones County Adult Detention Facility.

According to deputies, Claude Johnson, a 33-year-old white male, and Ira Hadley Jr., a 17-year-old black male, escaped from the facility by jumping over the recreation yard fence after 2 p.m. Friday.

“It is believed that both suspects possibly sustained injuries or lacerations from the fence,” said Jones County Sheriff Alex Hodge. “They were last seen heading in the direction of Rogers Junkyard on Highway 11 near Ellisville.”

Johnson, who has a last known address of 18 James Parrish Road in Laurel, was arrested in July and charged with stealing 11 long guns from Xtreme Outfitter and a large amount of electronic equipment from Pawn & Trade. He was arrested by the Laurel Police Department after officers found him hiding in the latter store’s bathroom.

Hadley, who has a last known address of 317 West 17th Street in Laurel, was arrested the same month on an armed robbery charge. Hadley was charged with the robbery of a Hispanic male in the 1300 block of Second Avenue.

Hodge said both suspects will now face an additional escape charge for their involvement in this incident.

“The public is encouraged to be aware of inmates fitting the description above who may be wearing gray and white jumpsuits,” he said. “Also, residents are encouraged to take every safety precaution to secure their property until further information is provided.”

Anyone with information regarding the escape of either of these suspects is asked to contact the Jones County Sheriff’s Department at 601-425-3147 or Jones County Crime Stoppers at 601-428-7867.