(UPDATE, 10 am) The three men who escaped early Saturday morning have been identified as Stephen Paddy Ryan Caplett, Anthony James, Castro, and Andrew Leroy Parham.
(UPDATE, 5 am) Three male inmates are not accounted for after a Big Horn County jail break in Hardin late Friday night.
Big Horn County Sheriff Pete Big Hair said citizens should report any suspicious persons or activity to the Sheriff's office.
More than 30 male inmates and several female inmates were cleared from the jail and placed on school buses outside the county courthouse, as authorities cleared and accounted for the prisoners.
MTN News has not yet been able to confirm the names of the three inmates who are unaccounted for.
There is no word on the conditions of the county employee or employees who were assaulted during the jail break.
(UPDATE, 3:32 am) MTN reporters Jeanelle Slade and Rob Monaco were at the scene and heard a loud bang near the Sheriff’s office around 2:45 a.m.
The Yellowstone County SWAT team moved into the jail and began escorting inmates out to a waiting bus. At least 25 inmates have been brought out to the bus.
Some of the inmates were not fully clothed as they left the jail. A second bus arrived to transfer inmates around 3:15 a.m.
The Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office would not say where the inmates are being transferred to and there is no update on possible inmates who may still be at large.
(1st REPORT, 1:44 am) Law enforcement officers have responded to the Big Horn County Courthouse where reports are several inmates overpowered a jail employee and escaped.
The Big Horn County Sheriff's Office told MTN News that residents in Hardin should lock their doors and stay inside. The Big Horn County Memorial Hospital has been placed on lockdown. The incident happened around midnight Friday.
The Big Horn County News in Hardin initial reports indicated a corrections officer, dispatcher, and a Sheriff's deputy were assaulted and a number of inmates escaped the jail.
The Big Horn County News reports there was speculation a sheriff's deputy was also assaulted, but a source close to the investigation reported to the News there was no deputy in the building at the time of the assault.
Law enforcement from surrounding areas including Crow Agency, BIA, Northern Cheyenne, Montana Highway Patrol, and Yellowstone County Sheriff are assisting. The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office SWAT team in on scene along with Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder.
One witness reported to the Big Horn County News they were told go home, to lock their doors and stay inside.
The Crow Tribe released a statement this morning stating, "Due to the possible escape of inmates from Big Horn County Jail. Advisory to lock all doors and to stay inside until further notice from the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office."
We will update with further information when it becomes available.
