Deputies searching for escaped prisoner in DeFuniak Springs

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla (WDHN) — Authorities in the Florida panhandle are searching for an escaped prisoner in Walton County.

According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, 59-year-old John Kiedrowski III escaped from Walton Correctional Institution shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Friday.

Deputies say cameras show Kiedrowski being picked up from the Walton Correctional Institution’s parking lot at 10:59 a.m. by a dark-colored Chrysler 200.

Kiedrowski was last seen wearing a blue inmate uniform with a short-sleeved shirt.

A release from the WCSO says Kiedrowski, who has ties to the Jacksonville area, is serving time for aggravated assault, felon in possession of a firearm/ammo, attempted burglary with a weapon, and grand theft of a firearm, and has previously served prison time for battery on a law enforcement officer.

Deputies ask that citizens who see Kiedrowski not approach him, “exercise extreme caution” and call 911.

Walton County Sheriff’s Office drone unit, Walton Correctional K-9 Team, WCSO K-9, and DeFuniak Springs Police Department are searching the immediate area.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.