Deputies on Tuesday were searching for an inmate who escaped while receiving medical care in Orange County.

Before 8 a.m., the Orange County Sheriff's Office was searching for Ramone Alston, 30, described as Black a man wearing a gray T-shirt, khaki pants and white New Balance tennis shoes. He was also seen wearing handcuffs connected to a belly chain with a black box over the junction.

Alston escaped while receiving care at the UNC Gastroenterology facility at 100 Eastowne Drive in Chapel Hill.

According to officials, Alston escaped from custody around 7 a.m. when the prison transport van arrived at UNC Gastroenterology. He had freed himself from leg restraints and, still in handcuffs, jumped out and ran into adjacent woods.

Durham Technical Community College's Orange County campus wa

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