Authorities are looking for a Hall County inmate who escaped custody during transfer from the courthouse to a transport vehicle.

James Edward Cantrell, 46, of Gainesville was among a group of inmates being escorted from the courthouse back to the Hall County Jail after court proceedings, according to a Hall County Sheriff’s Office press release.

"Cantrell was able to conceal himself in the alcove of a locked doorway on the exterior of the building," the release states. "He subsequently located a nearby work truck, which had the keys in the ignition, and left the area."

The incident took place at 12:40 p.m.

The sheriff’s office described Cantrell as an African-American, who is 6 feet tall and weighs 205 pounds. He was last seen wearing an orange jumpsuit, and he was handcuffed in front of his body.

Cantrell has many tattoos on his right forearm below the elbow.

The vehicle he was driving has been described as a red 1998 Ford pickup truck with a Georgia tag number PMT 1963.

"It is equipped with a chrome, bed-mounted tool box and has a large Harley Davidson decal in the rear window," said Sgt. Stephen Wilbanks, sheriff’s office spokesman.

Cantrell was found to be missing during a head count at the jail. The details remain under investigation, the sheriff's office said.

He was in State Court for violation of a temporary protective order, with an original charge of felony battery related to family violence.

District Attorney Lee Darragh said Cantrell was convicted earlier this week in Superior Court and was at the courthouse Tuesday on a State Court matter.

Cantrell received a continuance and has been in jail since Feb. 25.

The sheriff’s office urges anyone with any information to call 911 or 770-536-8812 as soon as possible.

"Do not approach or attempt to make contact (with the inmate)," the press release states. "Cantrell has a history of violent crimes and should be considered dangerous."