Escapees believed to be in Missouri

Area law enforcement are still on the lookout for two Arkansas Department of Corrections inmates who escaped from their work release jobs Wednesday evening.

According to ADC spokesperson Shea Wilson, the two men, John Laxton Jr. and Danny Rankins, were both serving time at the Mississippi County Work Release Center in Luxora, and had jobs in Blytheville at two separate sites for Abernathy Motors. Wilson said the department believes the two gained access to a cell phone and made arrangements to be picked up by a woman driving a green Kia. When their sergeant went to pick them up at the end of their shift, they were gone.

"We were contacted by the Sheriff's office in Holcomb [Missouri]," Wilson said. "There was a sighting of them in Missouri. We believe they have family and friends in that area."

Laxton, 42, was serving a 20-year sentence for theft. He is white, weighs 164 pounds, and is 5 feet 4 inches tall, with brown eyes and brown hair. Rankins, 46, is white, weighs 160 pounds, and is 5 feet 7 inches tall with hazel eyes and brown hair. Wilson said they are both likely now wearing street clothes.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the two men are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement authorities.

sharris@blythevillecourier.com