By C1 Staff
HARTVILLE, Mo. — An inmate escaped and a CO was injured after Wright County inmates started a fire.
Chief Deputy Bobby Willhite told the Springfield News-Leader that inmates lit their mattresses on fire Thursday night. Brett L. Anthony, 36, escaped while an officer was leading people to safety. A CO was transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
Anthony is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds. He is a bald white male and was last seen in an orange jumpsuit.
“Do not attempt to make contact with him if you see him,” Willhite said. “He’s going to get away from you, no matter what it takes. Call 911.”
It’s unclear if Anthony was involved with the fire. A different inmate is suspected and Willhite doesn’t believe the fire was set with the intention to escape.
This is the second time in the last few months that inmates have started a fire in the facility by lighting mattresses on fire.
According to the publication, the jail was at full capacity on the night of the fire. Inmates have been transported to neighboring jails while the damage is assessed.