2 Arkansas inmates play hide and seek in jail ceiling, surrender after moving only a few yards

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Two Arkansas inmates were caught Monday after attempting to escape through the ceiling of the White County Detention Center.

According to the sheriff's office, 20-year-old Melvin Crowe and 34-year-old Rickey Martin gained access to a false ceiling and were attempting to move through the plumbing chase.

Officials said the pair were located in the ceiling around 10:30 p.m. and began speaking with Lt. Heather Meadows before surrendering shortly after.

After surrendering, authorities said Crowe and Martin were moved to a different area of the jail where they are set to face additional criminal charges for the attempted escape.

Crowe is being held for criminal attempted murder and two counts of aggravated robbery, while Martin is being held for furnishing prohibited items and a felony warrant from another county, the sheriff's office said.

"The White County Sheriff’s Office extends its thanks for the assistance it received from Searcy PD, Arkansas Game and Fish and Searcy Fire," they said.