Inmate escapes from Dade County jail in Greenfield

William Smith, 23, overpowered jail staff

July 23, 2012|by KY3 News | news@ky3.com

GREENFIELD, Mo. -- An all-day search for an escaped inmate in Dade County could continue late into the evening.

Sheriff's deputies said William Smith, 23, overpowered a jailer about 2:50 a.m. Monday before taking the jailer's electric stun gun and running away. At some point, Smith dropped the stun gun and continued on.

Smith is described as 6-foot-1, 195 pounds with brown eyes, a shaved head and a thin beard. He also has tattoos on his right hand, upper left arm, upper right arm, chest, back, and left hand.

Smith has a lengthy criminal record, including several convictions for theft, stealing and burglary. He has pending cases for resisting arrest, unlawful use of a firearm and attempted escape.

Last spring, a judge ordered Smith to be held in the Cedar County jail in Stockton while awaiting trial on charges in Dade County. The Cedar County sheriff says Smith ran from one of his deputies in April as the deputy took him out of his patrol car. Smith, who was in handcuffs, didn't get far. That's why he's charged with attempted escape.

A leader with the Dade County Sheriff's Department said Smith has family in the area and officers are questioning those close to him. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, along with four other agencies, have joined the investigation.

"It's especially concerning for older people because we're helpless against him," said Sue Quapaw, 73, who operates a second-hand shop near the jail.

Dade County Sheriff Steven Stapp would not say much about the search except that deputies performed a cell check late Monday morning to verify Smith was not hiding somewhere in the jail. Following that, the search focused mainly on Dade County throughout the afternoon.

"I hope they catch him right away, before he hurts somebody," said Bill Friess, who works at the charity shop with Quapaw.

Law enforcement officers consider Smith to be dangerous. If you see him, you can call the sheriff's department at 911 (in the county) or (417) 637-1911.

The jailer was not injured during the attack.

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