By BEN LUNDIN

Staff Reporter

KILLONA – Police are searching for a 46 year-old man who broke out of prison early Thursday morning, the St. Charles Sheriff’s Office reports.

Wallace Gabriel, 46, 5’9” and 170 lbs. with short hair, who was being held at the Nelson Correctional Center for possession of stolen property and resisting arrest, allegedly escaped by scaling a razor wired fence at 10 a.m.

Officers expect Gabriel to be covered with extensive cuts from injuries he suffered while climbing the fence.

Numerous deputies from St. Charles Parish are searching for the man with the assistance of the St. John Sheriff’s Office, and officials expect Gabriel to be recaptured soon.

Gabriel is reportedly unarmed and not considered dangerous, but should not be approached by anyone except police officers.

The St. Charles Sheriff’s Office requests that anyone with information regarding Gabriel’s whereabouts contact law enforcement by dialing 911 or 783-6807.