By Thomas Hair
Opinions Editor

Two inmates escaped from a Hopkins County jail 75 miles northeast of Dallas on Tuesday morning. Local authorities are using dogs, helicopters and roadblocks to launch a manhunt for the fugitives, Brian Tucker (44) and John King (39), in Sulphur Springs and other nearby towns.

It is unknown whether the fugitives are armed, but authorities warn that the duo is extremely dangerous. Both have extensive criminal charges, including burglary, armed robbery, evading arrest and possession of illegal substances. Tucker was being held on capital murder charges for the fatal strangling of Bobby Riley in 2011. All North Texas communities should keep an eye out for the two men, pictured here.

The two reportedly “slipped past a fence” at the prison’s recreation yard while there was no guard on watch. They immediately ditched their black and white prison attire. A few hours later, the police began searching nearby roads and woods and local schools and businesses were locked down. Tucker and King’s locations are currently unknown.

For continuous updates on the progress of the search for Tucker and King, visit this page.