LOCK DOORS: Manhunt Underway for Escapee Likely in Northport Thursday

UPDATE, 12:05 P.M.: Perkins has been captured and is in police custody.

Police are searching an area of Northport Thursday morning, hunting for a Department of Corrections escapee believed to be on foot in the area.

Sergeant Josh Hastings, a spokesperson for the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, said the Department of Corrections is searching for Joseph Ray Perkins, a 36-year-old man who was serving a prison sentence for theft at a work center in Hamilton, Alabama.

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Hastings said Perkins is believed to be traveling in a stolen vehicle and that vehicle was spotted in Northport Thursday morning.

It has reportedly been found abandoned in the area of Twin Oaks Road East in Northport, where sheriff's deputies and other law enforcement are now congregating.

Perkins is wanted and should be considered dangerous -- Hastings said anyone who lives in the area needs to lock the doors of their homes and vehicles, stay inside and immediately call the police if they see something suspicious.

All others should avoid the area if possible.

This is a developing story, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for more details as they become available.