Troopers said Joshua L. McDowell, 22, fled on foot after climbing the fence around noon, and made his way to an area restaurant. There he convinced an 18-year-old male to give him a ride by saying his vehicle had broken down on the Western Kentucky Parkway, troopers said.
While on the parkway, McDowell reportedly told the teen he’d escaped from the detention center, and forced him to let McDowell take over the driving, according to troopers. McDowell then drove to downtown Lexington, and let himself out. Troopers said it is believed he may be in the Irishtown community.
According to state prison system records, McDowell was serving a three-year sentence for third-degree burglary, with his conviction taking place in Fayette County.
McDowell is described as a 5’8” tall, 160-pound white male with brown hair and eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt with “INMATE” on the back, blue work pants and white tennis shoes.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the State Police at 800-222-5555.







