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Two Escape From Hays State Prison

Authorities say two men escaped from the Hays State Prison in the Pennville Community just north of Summerville.

The inmates have been identified as Michael A. Tweedell, 48 (at right), and Johnny Mack Brown, 52 (at left).

Brown is serving a life sentence and has been incarcerated since 1999. He was convicted in Clarke County for hijacking a motor vehicle, armed robbery, theft by taking and aggravated assault.

Tweedell was convicted in Cobb County for armed robbery; convicted in Clayton County for theft by motor vehicle and theft by receiving stolen property; convicted in Gwinnett County on three counts of burglary and convicted on drug charges in Walton County.

Indications are the facility is currently in lockdown. Sheriff Ralph Kellett says the search is focusing on the northeastern portion of Chattooga County around the Spring Creek area.

Authorities believe they may have switched clothes. Hays Canine Units have tracked the duo back into the Spring Creek area.

The Summerville News contributed to this report.