Major Drug Bust and Jail Escape in Adair County
The Adair County Sheriff's Office reports one arrest over the weekend.

Following search warrants at 1874 Sheldon Avenue and 1880 Sheldon Avenue in Adair County by members of the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, South Central Iowa Drug Task Force and the Adair County Sheriff's Office, 35-year-old Thomas Lee Caldwell of Stuart was arrested Friday and charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of lithium as a precursor, possession of anhydrous ammonia as a precursor, possession of pseudoephedrine as a precursor, manufacturing marijuana, posession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $125 thousand. The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected.

Around 12:47 PM Saturday, Caldwell and two other inmates at the Adair County Jail were allowed to exercise. Caldwell allegedly climbed the fence and was able to make his way through the twelve foot high ceiling portion of the fence. Caldwell fled on foot before stealing a 1991 Chevrolet pickup. Approximately an hour later, Caldwell was found and taken back into custody.

Caldwell was additionally charged with Escape from Custody and Theft of a Motor Vehicle.