FERRIDAY — A prison inmate being transported from Tensas Parish to Avoyelles Parish Thursday escaped from guards and was believed to be loose in the Ferriday area.

The inmate, Melvin Videau, is a five-foot-nine black male with star tattoos under both his eyes, Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy David Hedrick said.

Hedrick said Videau escaped from prison guards while they were refueling their vehicle at Delta Fuels in Ferriday. Videau escaped while wearing prison attire and flexible restraints, similar to handcuffs.

Videau was arrested on charges of aggravated burglary in 2011 after he allegedly broke into a man’s apartment in Jefferson Parish, help up the man at gunpoint and stole his car.

Videau was arrested for those crimes in Ferriday in October 2011.

Shortly after the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office received the call of Videau’s escape, he was believed to have been spotted in the area of 10th Street in Ferriday at approximately 7 p.m.

Hedrick said deputies were stationed at various points in the town and going from door to door seeking any information about Videau’s location.

Hedrick said Videau should be considered dangerous and a threat to the community, Hedrick said.

“We have all available officers out looking for him, and we won’t stop until we get him,” Hedrick said. “Any residents that come in contact with this individual should immediately contact the sheriff’s office.”

Anyone with information regarding Videau’s whereabouts should call 318-336-5231.