The search continues in Fairfield County, Ohio for an escaped prisoner who is also wanted here in St Joseph.

Authorities also want to know how Jeremiah Searles was able to escape from the new jail annex, which has only been in use for about three months. It’s not clear why Searles was being held in the minimum-security facility, one of three jails in Fairfield County.

There were 90 prisoners in custody and only two deputies on duty when Searles escaped.

Investigators believe Searles scaled a fence that was 12 feet tall and topped with razor wire using socks and other clothing to avoid being injured.

Authorities say Searle turned up missing during a bed check Monday night. Dogs tracked him to a gully behind the jail, but lost his scent there. Police searched all day Tuesday with no luck.

Police said he should be considered dangerous but do not believe he will return to Missouri, where he faces charges of absconding and a probation violation on a deviate sexual assault charge. According to state corrections officials, Searles served six years of a 15 year sentence in the Buchanan County sex assault case.

Searles was sentenced February 7 to 30 days for falsification, possession of a controlled substance, obstructing official business and criminal trespass.