NATCHEZ — A Wilkinson County Correctional Center inmate who escaped Wednesday from a work detail in Natchez remained at large late Thursday.

Natchez Police Chief Daniel White said police have been unable to locate Justin Lloyd, 22, who was discovered missing during a head count by

Natchez Public Works personnel after the work detail returned for lunch at approximately 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The group of inmates had been working downtown to put up Christmas decorations, Ford said.

Lloyd reportedly asked to go to the restroom at the Public Works facility, located behind the Natchez Police Department, and never returned.

White said while police do not believe Lloyd is dangerous, residents should be alert and call police if they spot Lloyd.

Other law enforcement agencies are assisting in the search, as well as the Mississippi Department of Corrections, White said.

Lloyd began serving a 25-year sentence with the Mississippi Department of Corrections for identity theft and two counts of vehicle theft on July 21, according to the MDOC website. He was convicted in Rankin County.

White said it is possible Lloyd may be attempting to return to Rankin County.

MDOC identifies Lloyd as 140-pound black man of small build, who is five feet, 11 inches tall and has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about Lloyd’s whereabouts should contact Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.

Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.

Calls are anonymous.