Inmate runs away during Polk County court appearance

Columbus, N.C. — Deputies are searching for an inmate who ran away from a Polk County courthouse during a court appearance around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Department of Correction officials said in release.

Stephen Taylor, 43, was an inmate at Lumberton Correctional Institution, serving a one and a half year sentence for speeding to elude arrest and failure to heed lights/siren.

Authorities said Taylor was in Polk County Superior Court Wednesday for sentencing as a habitual felon.

Anyone who has seen Taylor or has information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Polk County Sheriff's Department at 828-894-3001.