Authorities say a man charged with murder who escaped from a north Arkansas jail Saturday may be hiding with a 43-year-old Marshall woman.
The Searcy County sheriff's office said in a news release Monday afternoon that 31-year-old Matthew Clayton Armstrong, who was charged in the the shooting death of Jessica Thornton in March, had not yet been captured.
Searcy County Sheriff Joey Pruitt said Armstrong may be accompanied by Mandy Watts. No reason for the connection was immediately provided.
Armstrong and another man, Jason Brannon, escaped from the Searcy County jail Saturday night after overpowering a guard, according to the release. Marshall police officers caught Brannon, who was being held on a charge of failing to register as a sex offender, just hours after his escape.
Currently aiding in the search for Armstrong are the Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Department of Corrections K-9 Team, Arkansas Community Corrections and National Park Service as well as sheriff's offices in Benton, Boone, Stone, Pope, Marion, Newton and Van Buren counties.
Pruitt said many tips about Armstrong's whereabouts have come in to the sheriff's office, and that anyone with information should contact the department (870) 448-2340.
"Armstrong is still considered dangerous and may be armed," Pruitt said. "We encourage everyone in the community to remain vigilant and keep their vehicles, doors and windows locked and secure."
