2 'Dangerous' Murder Suspects Escape Through Ceiling of Miss. Jail: Police

Police in Mississippi are searching for two murder suspects who escaped from a local jail early Friday morning, July 5.

In a news alert shared on Facebook, the Claiborne County Sheriff's Department announced that Tyrekennel Collins, 24, and Dezarrious Johnson, 18, escaped from Claiborne County Detention Center around 2:20 a.m. local time.

Collins is described as a Black male, "who was being held for Copiah County." Johnson, a Black male from Natchez, "was being held for Jefferson County."

The sheriff's department later noted that Johnson "has a bad limp" after his right leg was injured "during the escape."

"These suspects are considered to be dangerous. Authorities urge all citizens to take necessary precautions," police said. "The safety of the public is our highest priority, and we appreciate the community's cooperation in this matter."

Cameras caught Johnson and Collins, who were both previously charged with murder, climbing through the ceiling and escaping behind an outside wall, Sheriff Edward Goods said, per WAPT.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. 

Chief Deputy Christy Sykes said the suspects also used bedsheets to reach the ground, NBC News reports.

One suspect was seen earlier Friday on China Grove Road amid authorities' search, Goods added, according to WAPT.

"When you have someone in jail and they are charged with murder, you get them apprehended as quick as possible because we don't want them to go out and hurt any more individuals, Jefferson County Sheriff James Bailey stated.

Sykes told NBC News that inmates escaping from the jail is an ongoing problem.

"It's been an issue," said Sykes. "We're working closely with the board of supervisors to get this taken care of as soon as possible." 

Collins was first arrested in October 2023 for allegedly murdering his 46-year-old cousin, WJTV reported at the time. Johnson is charged with murder and aggravated assault. He was indicted in October 2022 for allegedly killing one individual and harming two others. His trial is scheduled for Oct. 15, per the Associated Press.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshals, and police from Claiborne and neighboring counties Warren, Jefferson and Adams are also searching for the suspects, according to WAPT.

Those who have information on either of the inmates' whereabouts are asked to contact authorities immediately. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation urges those who see the suspects to avoid approaching them. Instead, they should call 911 or Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office at (601) 437-5161.