Law Enforcement Search For Man Who Escaped Custody

Law enforcement officials are in the midst of an active manhunt in Knox County.

Law enforcement officers are heavily armed with dogs and are near a wooded area north of the state yard on the west side of Niobrara.

The suspect was in police custody earlier today and was being transported in Niobrara when he escaped custody and took a weapon from the deputy just before 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

The entire community, including the Niobrara School District were locked down. Niobrara State Park officials confirmed that they have been placed on lockdown as well.

The State Patrol was escorting children and teachers to their cars upon dismissal from school on Tuesday afternoon. A message over the intercom at the school also advised everyone to stay in their homes for night as the manhunt continues in Niobrara. 

The Knox County Sheriff's department confirmed to News Channel Nebraska that authorities are searching for a Native American male, wearing blue jeans and a blue hooded sweatshirt with a tattoo on his Adam's apple. The suspect is also armed according to authorities.

Officials at Moody Motor in Niobrara have told the Knox County News that they have been instructed to remove all of the keys from their vehicles, lock their doors and stay inside. 

Residents have reported seeing a helicopter circling the area northwest of town.

News Channel Nebraska contributed to this story.