Inmate escapes from prison in Harnett County

HARNETT COUNTY, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Armed correctional officers were spotted patrolling the Harnett Correctional Institute hours after an inmate escaped the facility.

Officers said 51-year-old Micahel Clark vanished Thursday morning.

Clark is serving time at Sanford Correctional Center for breaking and entering and is considered a minimum custody inmate.

He was doing construction work at the Harnett Correctional Institute when he escaped, authorities told ABC11.

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Clark was scheduled for release in February 2020.

Authorities are not sure if he has a weapon on him but said the public should be cautious if they come in contact with the inmate.

However, they would not comment on how Clark left the facility.

Those with information on Clark's whereabouts are asked to call Sanford Correctional Center at (919) 776-4325.