Inmates Flee Jail: Area On Lockdown After Brian Allen Tucker and John Marlin King Escape

Two prisoners fled a Texas Jail Tuesday morning, sending the area into full lockdown. Nine schools were locked down after accused murderer Brian Allen Tucker and another inmate imprisoned for evading arrest, John Marlin King, escaped the Hopkins County Jail and fled on foot.

The two men reportedly ditched their prison jumpsuits aside a railroad track near the jail and are fleeing through the forests in their white undershirts and boxers. Authorities say Tucker and King escaped through a female recreation area outside the jail building and "manipulate[d]" the prison fence and headed east.

Tucker is 5-feet-7-inches and 170 pounds with a neck tattoo resembling a chain and King is 5-feet-8-inches and 165 pounds, with a light mustache and goatee. They are believed to still be in the Sulphur Springs area outside of Dallas, Texas.

Tucker had been imprisoned since 2011 following his alleged role in the death of Bobby Riley, 61, a musician from Mahoney, Texas. He was found strangled with shoelaces in his residence following a robbery. Hopkins County Sheriff's Department official Beth Renfro stressed that anyone who believes to have seen or knows the whereabouts of Tucker and King is urged to call 911.

Police have enlisted the assistance of K-9 units and a helicopter to assist in the search.