HAMPTON COUNTY, SC (WTOC / WCSC) - A convict who escaped during transport with a deputy cruiser tried to carjack a woman Friday morning in Hampton County.

Authorities are searching for 37-year-old Perry Alton Sullivan, of Bowersville, Ga., after he escaped the custody of a sheriff's deputy Thursday. Several law enforcement agencies, wearing bullet proof vests, are searching the area of Highway 321 with a helicopter.

Deputies were led to Highway 321 after Sullivan allegedly tried to get into a woman's car while she was at a stop sign around 7:30 a.m. Friday. The woman sped off and was not injured.

Sullivan faces charges of weapons possession, assault, and failure to appear in court.

The Hampton County Sheriff's Office's dog team is tracking the area where the carjacking occurred. The search is centered along Highway 321 north of Fairfax.

The incident began Thursday when investigators say a deputy from Stephens County, Ga.,was moving Sullivan from Colleton County back to Stephens County. They pulled over in Allendale, when the inmate claimed he was feeling ill. The Allendale County Sheriff's Office says that is when Sullivan broke from the handcuffs and beat the deputy.

Sullivan has a distinctive tattoo on his neck of a lock with wings. If you see him or a Stephens County Sheriff's Officer cruiser, call police right away. He is considered armed and dangerous.

The deputy wasn't hurt and his car was discovered several hours later. Police say two guns were taken from the patrol car.

"Please do not approach the individual because he is considered armed and dangerous," warned Lieutenant Steven Robinson of the Allendale County Sheriff's Office.

The State Law Enforcement Division, National Guard helicopters and police dogs were all searching for Sullivan.

"We've had the National Guard helicopter up, which the sheriff was flying with them, and we have combed the entire area," said Lieutenant Robinson. "SLED helicopter is here now, and they are going to be flying some more, and we're doing everything we can to find this individual."

Sullivan was in jail on a burglary charge.

"We want him. We want to get him off the streets," said the lieutenant.

Allendale will likely charge Sullivan with grand theft, assaulting a police officer, and escape from police custody.

His destination is unclear at this point, but he may be headed to Bamberg County or Stephens County, Ga.

Sullivan is a white man, 5'10", 160 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. He has a tattoo of a coffin with wings on his neck as well as a skull on his right and left arms.

The Colleton County Sheriff's Office is assisting the Allendale County Sheriff's Office and the State Law Enforcement Division with the search in case the suspect comes into its jurisdiction, Chief Deputy Ted Stanfield said.

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