VIPER – Two inmates of the Kentucky River Regional Jail escaped last Tuesday while on a work detail in the Viper community of Perry County.

Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard say 25-year-old Garfield Herald and 23-year-old Willie Lewis escaped from a work detail at approximately noon on Tuesday at the Twin Rocks Bible Camp at the head of Middle Fork Maces Creek in Viper while out with other inmates cutting weeds.

Trooper Johnny Feltner with Post 13 said that during the initial search a police dog picked up on a scent trail which led them to a nearby roadway where the trail ended. Feltner said it's likely that they that the two either caught a ride or had someone waiting for them, although he noted jail officials informed him that none of the inmates are supposed to have prior knowledge of when they are going out on a work release.

Feltner said authorities are continuing the search and are following leads in the case.

"We're getting some complaints on them that they're here or there," Feltner said, but added that so far none of the leads have led police to the inmates.

Officials ask that if you have any information to please call the Kentucky State Police Post 13 at 606-435-6069.