HAZLETON - State police are searching for an inmate who escaped from the MinSec detention center in downtown Hazleton.

State police said Tyrone Echols, 37, was last seen at 3:15 p.m. Friday, when he left the facility to go to work in Berwick. State police said he did not return to the facility at 141 W. Broad St. at 6:30 a.m. Saturday as scheduled.

Echols is described as a black male, 6 feet tall, 270 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. State police said he previously lived in Scranton and Newark, N.J. and has relatives in both cities.

State police said he was incarcerated at the facility for possession of drug paraphernalia and simple assault. A warrant for his arrest on escape charges was issued at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, according to state police.

Anyone with information about Echols' whereabouts should contact the state police Hazleton barracks at (570) 459-3890 or call 911. Caller information will be kept confidential.