Prison Breaks On The Increase

The State of Oklahoma is dealing with a spike in the number of prison breaks.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections reports 18 inmates have escaped so far this year, compared to 16 escapes for all of last year.  DOC spokesman Jerry Massie says there's typically an increase of escapes during the summer.  But, he also blames the spike on overcrowded and understaffed prisons. 

"Inmates may have the perception that well, there are not as many officers as there should be, not as many staff, so I may have a better chance if I walk out and I don't see anybody looking over my shoulder," said Jerry Massie.

DOC is still looking for Bobby Stow.  He escaped from the John H Lilley Correctional Center on Tuesday.  The search is also on for an escapee from Grant County.