Inmate Escapes From Downstate Prison

(CBS) -- Police are searching for a prisoner who escaped from a minimum security prison in downstate Vandalia Tuesday afternoon.

According to the Illinois Department of Corrections, inmate Marcus Battice escaped from the Vandalia Correctional Center at approximately 2 p.m. Tuesday. The department says the escape occurred at the rear of the property when Battice was returning from commissary.

Battie is described as a black male, 21-years-old and 167 lbs. He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt and dark pants, which are prison-issue type clothing.

Battice was being incarcerated for burglary and while he doesn't not have a history of violent crime, authorities are urging caution and say not to attempt to make contact with the escapee.