Sheriff: Missing SC inmate jumped from roof to escape

GREENWOOD, S.C. — Authorities in South Carolina are searching for an escaped jail inmate who allegedly jumped from the facility's roof.

Local news outlets report that 22-year-old Nathaniel Wideman escaped Tuesday afternoon from the Greenwood County Detention Center.

Greenwood County Sheriff Dennis Kelly says a county employee across the street saw Wideman standing on the jail's roof before jumping down, climbing a fence and running. The employee notified authorities.

The sheriff's office and other departments, including the state Law Enforcement Division, are searching for Wideman.

The sheriff's office says Wideman was charged Friday for possession of a stolen firearm, third-degree assault and battery, and aggravated breach of peace.

Kelly says deputies found the orange shirt Wideman had been wearing in a drain. He says Wideman should be considered armed and dangerous.

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Associated Press