Escaped inmate from Madison County believed to be in the Opelousas area

OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- The Opelousas Police Department is assisting law enforcement authorities from Madison County in locating an escaped inmate believed to be in or near the Opelousas area.

The escaped inmate has been identified as Raymond Howard, 34. Howard is described as being a 5'5 black male, weighing 130 lbs.

Officials said Howard escaped from custody in Madison County under undisclosed circumstances. He is considered a wanted fugitive, and his current whereabouts are unknown.