Authorities search for Randolph Escapee

Ernest Smith

Several agencies are assisting the Randolph County Sheriff's Office in the search for an escaped suspect.  Just after midnight Wednesday, deputies say Ernest Smith, broke out of a patrol car as he was being taken to jail. Smith is about 5'9", with brown hair, hazel eyes and a short, salt-and-pepper beard. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and jeans. Chief Deputy Billy Lane says Smith was being taken to jail in connection to a domestic violence situation at a home in Rock Mills. At the time of his arrest, he resisted and kicked out the back passenger window. He remained cuffed and deputies continued onto the jail. But around 12:20 a.m., as the patrol car was turning left in front of the old Board of Registrars building, Smith bailed. Since the escape, Wedowee, Wadley and Lineville Police Departments have assisted and the Chambers County K-9 Unit and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) helicopter have been searching.  Randolph County Schools Superintendent Rance Kirby says schools are on a soft lock down with police presence.  Smith has a criminal record and has previously been incarcerated in Alabama and Georgia prisons. If you spot him, do not approach him. Call police immediately.