Friday 29th March 2024

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An area law-enforcement agency is alerting the public about an escaped inmate who may have a vehicle and may be armed.

According to the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, 44-year-old Jason M. Laird has escaped. He was last seen on the outer campground of the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia. Laird is an inmate who was working the grounds on Tuesday, June 22.

According to an update from the sheriff’s office, Laird- who is 5-foot-3 and 160 pounds with blue eyes- is still at large at this hour, and area residents are urged to lock up their vehicles and houses and make sure not to leave any firearms in their vehicles.

An update from the Sedalia Police Department says shortly before 6 a.m. today it was notified that a state-owned vehicle was stolen. Surveillance video at the shed indicated the vehicle was stolen around 11:30 p.m.

The vehicle is a white 2013 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax 2500 bearing Missouri state plate 110189M. The vehicle has chrome running boards. Police say, given the timing of the theft and Laird’s disappearance, it is possible he stole the Silverado.

An update from the sheriff’s office says, “Not to cause greater alarm, but we just took a walk-in report of a stolen firearm left in a vehicle overnight in Hunters Ridge. We cannot discount that our escapee is now armed. It is a Bond Arms Rowdy .45-.410 over-under handgun.”

Authorities urge residents to stay alert.

The sheriff’s office adds: “He’s likely not in Pettis, but we will continue vigilance.”

If you see Laird, authorities advise you to immediately call 9-1-1.