Manhunt launched for jail escapee in Texas' Van Zandt County

CANTON, Texas, April 28 (UPI) -- Officials have launched a manhunt in Van Zandt County, Texas, for an escaped inmate who the police consider armed and dangerous.

Jay Scott McEvers, 47, escaped from the Van Zandt County Detention Center at about 8 p.m. on Wednesday. His mother, Carolyn McEvers, and his girlfriend, Cynthia Heese, were arrested on allegations of "facilitating escape."

McEvers was jailed on drug and firearm charges. McEvers pleaded guilty to robbing a bank at gunpoint in 2009.

McEvers is described as a white male with blonde hair, blue eyes, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs about 195 pounds.