PENDER - Authorities are searching for a man who escaped from the Thurston County jail on Sunday afternoon.

According to a press release, 26-year-old Cody Murphree, formerly of Pilger, escaped from the jail around 1:00 PM. Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger says Murphree is believed to be in the Norfolk area, and he was last seen northeast of Stanton.

Unger says Murphree is driving a 2003 silver Chevy Malibu that he stole out of Thurston County, which has a farm license plate bearing the number 55-C722. Murphree was last seen wearing a white thermal top and orange shorts, and should be considered dangerous.

Unger is asking residents to not leave their keys in their vehicles, as it is believed Murphree is looking to steal another vehicle. Murphree has local ties to both the Pilger and Norfolk area, and anyone with information or observing suspicious behavior should call 9-1-1 immediately.