3 escape Columbus County jail

Officials in Columbus County are looking for two prisoners who escaped from the county jail over the weekend. A third man also escaped, but has since been caught.

The two still missing are 26-year-old Jimmy Edwards of Chadbourne, and Benjamin Currie of Tabor City.

Columbus County Sheriff Chris Batten says a computer glitch showed all prison doors were locked – but the inmates found one door that was open. The inmates then bent a latch that secured a chain link fence in a recreational area.

The jail only held prisoners for two weeks.

Batten says escapees should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see them call the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office or just dial 911.