Authorities searching for escapee from Justice Center

Dewey Hopper

According to Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder, Dewey Odell Hopper, Jr., 42, a six-foot, Caucasian male weighing approximately 190 pounds, escaped from custody at approximately 9 p.m., Saturday, May 31.

Holder said the inmate made his escape after he crawled under a chain link fence located in the recreation area of the Justice Center, and then made his way to another outside area where he was again able to get under another chain link fence around the perimeter of the jail into a fence row, eluding capture by local officers.

Hopper was being held in the Justice Center on charges of forcible rape and tampering with judicial proceedings. He is also a parole absconder from the state of Arkansas, according to Holder.

Past Offenses in Missouri and Arkansas include assault, burglary, weapons violations (including on a Corrections Facility), sex offenses and arson.

The jail uniform Hopper was last seen wearing was found in a tree line in a wooded area near the jail.

Hopper has green eyes, blond hair and may have some facial hair in the form of a goatee. He also sports several tattoos including a large one on the right side of his neck, roses and a heart with the initials B.H. on his right arm, "Patty" and a skull on his left arm, and other tattoos on his chest, left hand, left cheek and legs.

Holder said it is believed that Hopper will be trying to make his way to the state of Texas. Hopper is listed in court documents as being a resident of Naylor, Mo.

A Missouri Information Analysis Center flyer describing Hopper and his escape from custody states that individuals should use extreme caution if approaching Hopper, as he is considered to be a dangerous criminal.

Anyone with information on Hopper is asked to contact the Dunklin County Sheriff's Office at (573) 888-2409 or (573) 888-2424.