The inmate - Joseph Dillon Smith, 25 - was taken back into custody by the Saline County Sheriff's Office. Officers with the Benton Police Department assisted with the search.
(Original post below)
The lockdown has been lifted at the area schools (Benton School District) due to information received that the suspect was in custody for a misdemeanor warrant and he is not considered a high threat level. The initial lock down was issued to ensure the safety of children, and due to the initial information received. Joseph Dillon Smith was in custody for a nonviolent misdemeanor warrant.
We ask that people continue to be vigilant in keeping an eye out for the suspect. Do not engage with Mr. Smith if spotted. Call 911. Mr. Smith has a Batman tattoo on his neck. More information is below:
****PLEASE SHARE***PRISONER ESCAPEE
The Saline County Sheriff's Office (Detention Center) is looking for an inmate escapee in the Saline County area. Be on the lookout for Joseph Dillon Smith, a white male with brown hair, blue eyes, 5-foot, 10-inches tall and about 175 pounds. He was last known to be in an orange jumpsuit. If you see this suspecte, DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER, please call 911 immediately. ****Joseph Dillon Smith has a Batman tattoo on the right side of his neck. He also has recently cut his hair. The schools in the Benton School District have been put on lock down as a precaution. Last seen in the Neeley Street area.
*Note-Multiple law enforcement agencies are working a large perimeter to attempt to locate currently in the City of Benton around the Neely Road/ Edison area. Joseph Dillon Smith was reportedly in custody after being served a warrant for a misdemeanor charge.