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HURON, SD - He got away barefoot and in handcuffs and a Beadle County inmate is still on the loose. Thirty-seven-year-old Michael James Smith ran when officers were bringing him back to the jail after a court appearance Thursday.


Facing felony theft charges in Minnesota, Smith was in Beadle County court signing a waiver to allow authorities from Minnesota to come and get him. 

"We didn't think he was a high risk," Beadle County Sheriff Doug Solem said. 

The trip back to the jail proved otherwise. He was walking between the courthouse and the jail when he acted like something was wrong with his shoes.

He then kicked the shoes off and ran away, still wearing his jail, striped clothing and hand cuffs. 

The jailer with him jumped in a patrol car, and other officers weren't far behind. 

"Within probably a minute we probably had four to five policemen in the area or police cars in the area. I don't know if he's hiding in a garage or what he's doing at this time," Solem said. 

Not knowing where Smith was, dispatch made a reverse 911 call, warning people to be on alert. The call went out to about a six block area where authorities believe Smith was heading. 



The Huron School district locked down Buchanan Elementary School, keeping students and staff inside behind locked doors until police determined the threat had passed. 

"We were working closely in communication with local police and following their advice," superintendent Ross Opsal said. 

Police don't consider Smith dangerous but are asking people in Huron to keep their eyes open for him. His criminal past in Minnesota includes burglary, aggravated robbery and theft of a motor vehicle. 

Since authorities didn't consider Smith a flight risk, they didn't shackle him. The sheriff says now he'll look into shackling any inmate walking from the jail to court just incase.

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