NEW RICHMOND, Wis., May 7 (UPI) -- Three inmates escaped from the minimum-security St. Croix County Correctional Center near New Richmond, Wis., causing the city school to cancel classes on Thursday.
The escapees are Jesse Jamal Fairley, 25, sentenced for burglary; Andre Lee Vance, 20, sentenced for operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent and burglary; and Kyle John Peterson, 19, sentenced for forgery and drug possession, according to New Richmond Police.
New Richmond Police Chief Mark Samelstad said he didn't believe the public was at risk, but still urged residents to stay inside and lock their doors.
The escaped inmates were reportedly last seen wearing gray gym shorts, white long-sleeved shirts and tennis shoes. There was a silver Hyundai Sonata reported stolen about three miles north of New Richmond and authorities believe it could be related to the prison break.
Searches for the individuals included dog teams.
New Richmond School District Superintendent Jeff Moberg released a statement:
"At approximately 5 a.m. this morning, I received notification that some residents of the City of New Richmond received an automated message from St. Croix County Dispatch alerting residents to remain indoors with doors locked as three persons had escaped from the correctional facility," Moberg wrote.
Advertisement"The school made the decision to do a two hour delay until more details could be gathered. To error on the side of student safety and allow more time for information to be gathered regarding the situation, school will be canceled today, May 7."
