An escapee from the Lincoln County Jail is still on the runnearly one week after his breakout last Wednesday night, andauthorities believe he may be hiding close by.

Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing said 18-year-old Kenny RayDunn, of 229 Avalon St., is likely hiding out among friends inBrookhaven, going house-to-house to stay one step ahead ofdeputies. But Rushing said his officers are working well into thepre-dawn hours each night to stay on Dunn’s heels, and thatdetermination will eventually pay off.

“We’re gonna get him, I promise you that,” he said. “It’s justgonna be a matter of time, of getting current information on wherehe’s at instead of where he was.”

Rushing said Dunn, who is charged with armed robbery andaggravated assault, made his escape around 7:30 p.m. last Wednesdayduring inmate movement and visitation hours. Rushing said Dunn’smethod of escape has been investigated and addressed.

Rushing said the escapee is the first to break free of theLincoln County Jail since he was appointed sheriff in 2006.

Dunn’s family has been cooperative in the department’s search,Rushing said, but apparently the escapee has many friends locallywho are helping him hide. Rushing said those helping Dunn hide fromauthorities could face charges of harboring and aiding afugitive.

“We will charge anybody who is aiding him at this point,” hesaid.

Dunn is not likely considered armed and dangerous, but Rushingsaid he would consider any escaped inmate a possible danger. Heurged anyone with information about Dunn’s whereabout to contactthe Lincoln Coutny Sheriff’s Department at 601-833-5231, or LincolnCounty Crimestoppers at 601-823-0150.

“We’re out in force trying to locate him, and any tips or leadswe can get, we appreciate,” Rushing said.