Inmates escape

TIPTONVILLE — Two men have escaped from the prison in Lake County, according to a news release The Messenger received this afternoon.
Robert Lee Brown #436224 and Christopher Osteen #419675 absconded from the Northwest Correctional Complex minimum security annex earlier today.
At approximately 8:25 a.m. officers confirmed the two minimum security offenders were missing after an emergency recount. Security measures have been implemented and local law enforcement have been notified. Search efforts are under way and investigators are following active leads.
The Messenger received reports from local residents that law enforcement officials had been seen on State Line Road this afternoon possibly looking for the individuals. The escapees had not been located as of 1:50 p.m. Friday.
Residents are urged to keep their doors locked and not open them to strangers.
Brown, 36, is currently serving an 18-year sentence for aggravated rape out of Putnam County. His sentence was set to expire in 2022.
Osteen, 34, is serving an 8-year sentence for burglary out of Madison County. His sentence was set to expire in 2023.
Anyone with any information regarding their whereabouts should immediately contact law enforcement or the TDOC TIPS Hotline at 1-844-TDC-FIND.