The Georgia Department of Corrections advises that along with local law enforcement and the Georgia State Patrol, the search continues for two inmates who escaped from Hays State Prison, in Trion in Chattooga County, on Monday during a recreation period by breaching the fence.

The inmates are identified as Johnny Mack Brown and Michael A. Tweedel.

On Tuesday, canine units alerted on several tracks and officials believe that the escapees are still in the area surrounding Spring Creek and the vicinity of the prison, which is just south of LaFayette.

According to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, the Department of Corrections received a tip that the two men could have been in the southern area of Walker County near Ramey Road and Ga. 151.

Department of Corrections conducted a search in the area and called off the search around 7 p.m. Wednesday and moved its search to another location outside of Walker County.

No new leads were discovered, Wilson said.

They were there for about a couple of hours (Wednesday) afternoon," he said.

The Sheriff’s Department assisted with traffic problems, during the search on Ga. 151 and in the fields in that area, due to the sightseers and onlookers.

DOC officials say preliminary investigation indicates that the prison’s sophisticated perimeter detection system did function appropriately, and department officials assure that corrective measures have been taken to prevent a recurrence.

More than 65 officers and canine units, as well as Georgia State Patrol air assets, have been committed to the search effort.

Rick Jacobs, GDC director of special operations, said, “we will be here as long as necessary for us to apprehend the inmates and all resources of the department will be utilized.”

Authorities ask that citizens in and around the area continue to exercise caution and report any unusual activity — such as suspicious people loitering in the area or property damage — to local law enforcement immediately. Citizens are urged to lock cars and homes, avoid isolated areas and secure weapons.

After visiting the facility, Commissioner James E. Donald said, “Our priority is the safety and security of this community. All resources are dedicated to this intensive manhunt and we expect to apprehend these felons quickly.”

Brown is currently serving a life sentence for armed robbery and other violent crimes out of Clarke County. He’s 53 years of age, 5’08”, 149 pounds and has a scar on his back and right thigh.

Tweedel is serving two 10-year sentences for armed robbery out of Cobb County. He’s 48 years of age, 5’06”, and 153 pounds with no prominent markings.

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