An escape from the Hancock County Jail placed the county schools on lockdown Thursday morning.

Joshua Wayne Metcalf, 48, escaped from the Hancock County Jail Thursday, according to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.

There are surrounding law enforcement agencies who are assisting Hancock County deputies in the search for Metcalf.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Metcalf should contact the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office at 423-733-2249, 423-733-2250, 423-733-4475 or your local law enforcement agency.