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Deputies: Dangerous NC inmate assaults guard during jail escape

LEXINGTON, N.C. — Authorities say an escaped jail inmate is dangerous after he put a detention officer in the hospital.

The Davidson County Sheriff's Office said Sunday that 23-year-old Benjamin Lee Small of Thomasville attacked the female guard, ran from the Lexington jail and got away despite a foot chase by fellow detention officers.

Authorities say the jailer suffered serious injuries late Saturday that are not life-threatening.

Small was being held ahead of a court appearance next month for charges including felony breaking and entering. State prison records show Small has been sentenced to probation on previous convictions including for larceny.

Small is white, stands 5 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs about 135 pounds. He has brown hair, hazel eyes and fair skin with tattoos on his left and right arms.

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