Law officers in northeast Georgia were searching for an inmate they say escaped from custody while being transferred from the Hall County Courthouse to a vehicle.

WDUN Radio reports that the escape happened Tuesday afternoon.

Hall County sheriff's officials identified the inmate as 46-year-old James Edward Cantrell of Gainesville.

Sheriff's officials said Cantrell concealed himself in the alcove of a doorway on the exterior of the building, then found a nearby work truck which had the keys in the ignition.

Hall County sheriff's Sgt. Stephen Wilbanks tells The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that there was still no sign of Cantrell as of mid-day Wednesday.

Authorities said Cantrell was at the courthouse in connection with a temporary protective order associated with a family violence charge. Sheriff's officials say he should be considered dangerous.

Tags: Hall County, escaped inmate, James Edward Cantrell, Hall County Courthouse