Authorities search for escapee from Jackie Brannon

(McAlester-AP) -- Authorities in southeastern Oklahoma are searching for an inmate who escaped from the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center Friday morning.

A prison spokesman says Johnny Brown apparently escaped while working in the prison laundry. Spokesman Bob Jameson says Brown was part of a crew taken to the laundry about 2 this morning and he was discovered missing about three hours later.

Jameson says dogs tracked Brown toward U-S Highway 270 before losing the scent and officials don't know if someone picked up the inmate.

Brown also uses the names Steven Brown and John Brown and was serving 6-year sentences from Canadian County for drug convictions.

Brown is white, 5-feet 7-inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes and weighs about 155 pounds.