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Dangerous SC inmate at large after jail escape; one in custody, police say

The inmates escaped late Thursday night from the detention center

inmates escape.jpg

Craig Jahquezz Housey and James Williams escaped late Thursday night.

Photo/Hampton County Sheriff’s Office

By Mandy Matney
The Island Packet (Hilton Head Island, S.C.)

Hilton Head Island, S.C. — Two Hampton County inmates who police consider to be dangerous escaped from the Hampton County Detention Center Thursday evening.

One of the men was taken into custody on Friday afternoon, and one remained at large around 3:30 p.m.

Craig Jahquezz Housey of Furman and James Williams escaped late Thursday night from the detention center, according to the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office. It was unclear which of the men remained at large.

“Please be aware of a heavy law enforcement presence in and around the towns of Varnville and Hampton and surrounding communities,” the Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page at 11:20 p.m.

Housey had been charged Thursday with six counts of attempted murder, according to online court records. Williams was recently charged with burglary, according to Sgt. Tyrell Joyner of the Sheriff’s Office.

The search for the inmates was still underway on Friday afternoon, according to the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page, which said Savannah-Chatham police and the U.S. Marshals Service were involved

Asked how the men escaped, Joyner said he did not know.

The two inmates were last seen wearing tan jumpsuits, Joyner said. Sheriff’s officials ask the public to dial 911 if they see them or have any information.

“We ask that you keep all doors and vehicles locked and secure. More information will be available as this situation progresses,” Sheriff’s Office officials said on Facebook.

The Hampton County Detention Center is located about 42 miles northwest of downtown Beaufort.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

©2019 The Island Packet (Hilton Head, S.C.)

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