An inmate escaped from the Watonwan County Jail in southwestern Minnesota on Monday evening.

Leonardo Lopez Jr., 36, escaped just before 7 p.m., according to a news release.

Deputies searched areas in St. James with help from the St. James and Madelia police departments and a K-9 unit from New Ulm.

Anyone who sees Lopez or knows of his whereabouts should call 911. Police say the public should not try to approach or apprehend him.

Watonwan County Sheriff Jared Bergeman is requesting members of the public with installed security cameras to report any suspicious activity on footage recently filmed.

The jail roster shows Lopez was booked in August on charges of failure to register as a predatory offender and fleeing a police officer.

Related Articles

Welcome to the second snowiest Halloween on record in the Twin Cities

Mayo Clinic’s latest therapy animal? Why, a miniature horse, of course

Scary Halloween weather: After snow, trick-or-treaters should bundle up on Tuesday

FDA says WanaBana fruit puree pouches may contain dangerous levels of lead

UAW reaches deal with General Motors that ends strikes against Detroit automakers pending votes