An area law-enforcement agency is alerting the public about an escaped inmate.

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 MODOT maintenance shed near Gate 11 on the Fairgrounds had been broken into, and a state truck 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.

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