Police looking for inmate who escaped while being transferred to Nelson County

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Police are searching for a man who escaped from a transport vehicle outside the Nelson County Correctional Center in Bardstown, Kentucky Friday.

According to a release from Nelson County Jailer Justin Hall, a transport vehicle from Spencer County was bringing an inmate from another county to Nelson County Friday due to active warrants.

When the vehicle arrived at the Nelson County Correctional Center, and before entering the facility, the inmate exited the transport vehicle and ran from the area on foot.

The release identified the individual as Jawan McKnight.

The Nelson County Sherriff's Office said he is believed to be on foot in the areas near the Nelson County Jail, Bardstown High School and Maple Hill.

The Bardstown Police Department said McKnight has active warrants "for trafficking meth and other trafficking offenses."

McKnight was never in the custody of the Nelson County Correctional Center, and was not being transported by Nelson County deputies.

Dispatch and local law enforcement agencies are aware of the situation, and efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend McKnight. Authorities said anyone who sees him should not approach and should call 911 immediately.