Smithfield, N.C. — An Johnston County Jail inmate escaped Wednesday night.

Authorities said Tony Cole, 18, had been taken to the sheriff’s office for questioning about another case.

As Cole was being walked back to the jail, he ran off at about 10 p.m. He was wearing his jail suit and handcuffs.

His shirt was found a short distance away from the jail, authorities said. He was believed to still be wearing black-and-white striped jail pants.

Cole is white, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. He has dark hair and blue eyes. He was last seen Wednesday night near the Howell Theatre at 141 S. Third St. in Smithfield.

Cole is from Raleigh and had been in the jail since Jan. 2, accused of breaking and entering and larceny.

If you have any information about Cole's whereabouts, call the Johnston County Sheriff's Office at 919-989-5010.