The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

MARION COUNTY, MO. -- An inmate from the Marion County, Missouri jail escaped early Thursday morning.

Sheriff Jimmy Shinn has confirmed to KHQA that Grant Allen Baker, age 22, escaped through a utility room in one of the jail cell pods that had been left unlocked by a service worker, then apparently went through ductwork in the ceiling.

It's believed Baker got away at approximately 1:00 a.m.; jail employees noticed him missing at approximately 3:00 a.m.

Sheriff Shinn's investigation shows that Baker went to the Wilco gas station just north of the jail and got a ride from a white female driving a red Jeep Cherokee with two kids inside.

The sheriff stressed that investigators don't believe she is involved in the escape, but that Baker conned her into giving him a ride.

The vehicle with Baker inside headed south on U.S. 61 toward Hannibal.

Shinn is searching for that vehicle and the woman driving it to make sure she's alright, and to question her about Baker's whereabouts.

Baker is described as a white man, 5''7", weighing 140 pounds with a slim build.  He has short black hair.  He was last seen wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

Baker's last known address was in Hannibal, where he apparently lived with his girlfriend.

He also has significant ties to Quincy, Illinois.

He was being held in the Marion County jail on an Illinois Department of Corrections parole warrant.

Adams County court records show that Baker pleaded guilty to felony charges including possession of a stolen vehicle in December 2008.

He was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison.

Sheriff Shinn believes this was an escape of opportunity, due to the unlocked door, and that Baker had no plan for his getaway.

The sheriff's department is making a list of Baker's family and associates in an attempt to find him.

If you have information about Baker, call the Marion County Sheriff's Department at (573) 769-2077.