CONROE, Texas – Investigators are searching for a prisoner who escaped from the Montgomery County Jail over the weekend.
Montgomery County sheriff's deputies said Britt Chadvurn Privatte, 40, was last seen in surveillance video in the recreation yard of the jail on Sunday.
Investigators said they think Privatte scaled a wall inside the recreation yard and broke through the upper fencing to the roof.
"What we believe happened is that other prisoners helped him by hoisting him up so he could actually reach an area where he could have an opportunity to get out," Lt. Dan Norris said. "We anticipate some prisoners being charged with facilitating jail escape."
Privatte was arrested by the Houston Police Department on Jan. 7, along with two other suspects, in connection with a bank robbery inside the city of Houston but within the boundaries of Montgomery County. Detectives said they believe he may be involved in several bank robberies.
Concerned residents hope Privatte is caught soon.
"They should put his picture everywhere, because I didn't have a clue about that," said resident Lorena Ray.
Investigators with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, Texas Rangers and other local law enforcement agencies say they are working together, using all available resources to track down and arrest the prisoner.
Authorities said Privatte was known to work in the Walker County area and listed an address in Sugar Land, Texas as his home.
Privatte may be wearing boxer shorts and a long-sleeved T-shirt, deputies said. Officials said Privatte should be considered dangerous.
"We certainly don't know if he's armed, but he should be considered dangerous with the type of crimes he's in our jail for," said Norris.
Investigators said sightings were reported in the Conroe area overnight.
Anyone who may know the whereabouts of Privatte should call 936-760-5800 and choose option 3, or contact their local law enforcement immediate.
Crime Stoppers said they will pay up to a $1,000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest or indictment of a felony crime by calling 800-392-STOP (7867) or leaving an anonymous tip online here.