Franklin Police have asked the public to be on alert after a prisoner escaped custody early Friday morning.
Joseph Perkins is no longer believed to be in Williamson County, according to the Tennessee Highway Patrol Friday afternoon, but everyone has been asked to remain cautious and alert.
Perkins was added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Top 10 Most Wanted list.
Police said the 31-year-old escaped from Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers while being walked in to the Williamson County Jail on Century Court.
THP officials said Perkins assaulted a trooper and escaped outside the jail. He slipped his handcuffs from behind his back to the front. He was last seen wearing them. THP officials said the trooper was okay.
Authorities said he’s still possibly on foot and advised residents not to leave their cars running or leave their doors unlocked.
Perkins had a full extradition warrant from Tuscaloosa County, AL for probation violation with the original charge being burglary.
Current charges are: Felony evading, 3 counts of felony reckless endangerment, Theft over $10,000, fugitive from justice, additional charges pending pic.twitter.com/pnB3dcrkLG— TN Highway Patrol (@TNHighwayPatrol) June 29, 2018
Perkins has a full extradition warrant from Tuscaloosa County, Alabama for a probation violation for a burglary charge. He's currently wanted on charges of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, felony escape, evading arrest with a motor vehicle, and theft over $10,000.
"Perkins is likely desperate, and area residents should avoid being outdoors if possible," Franklin Police said in a release.
Perkins is 6’2” and weighs 180 pounds. Police said he’s wearing a white t-shirt with gray shorts. His shoes have been found in a nearby rock quarry.
Police said Perkins is a violent felon with a lengthy history. He has previously had access to firearms and should be considered dangerous.
According to investigators, they're searching for a vehicle stolen from Vulcan Materials, located on Downs Boulevard, sometime during the overnight hours. It's a 2007 white, four-door F250 with license plate 36H 1037.
However, it's unclear if this is connected to the Perkins case.
Anyone who sees him should call 9-1-1 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND. There is a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to his arrest.
