WINDSOR – Danyashi Wood may be on the lamb now, but if Bertie County law enforcement officials have their way, it won’t last long.

“We take this very seriously and we’re doing everything we believe can be done to capture the Danyashi Wood,” Bertie County Sheriff Greg Atkins said. “We would appreciate any help the citizens of the county and the region can provide us.”

The escapee is described as a black male with light to medium complexion and a pony tail, standing 5’-9” tall and weighing approximately 160 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Wood escaped from the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail on July 30, just one day after being sentenced to 93-121 months in prison following convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a government officer, resist, delay and obstruct, being a habitual felon and driving while license revoked.

In cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bertie County Detective Sgt. Ed Pittman said federal warrants were drawn for the arrest of Wood. He is being sought on a federal felony charge of unlawful flight to avoid confinement.

Wood was already being sought on local warrants including escape from confinement, felony larceny of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle. The latter charges came due to Wood’s alleged theft of a Bertie County Schools maintenance truck in the moments after his escape.

That truck was driven to the Duck Thru at the end of County Farm Road and ditched there.

He was aided, according to law enforcement officers, by Laketa Lavone Gordon, 21. Gordon is being sought by the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office for felony aiding and abetting escape from confinement. She allegedly met Wood at the Duck Thru from where the duo fled the local area.

“We obtained a warrant on Laketa Gordon,” Pittman said. “We were able to identify her from the videos obtained from Duck Thru.”

Gordon is described as approximately 5’-6” tall and 130 pounds with a medium brown complexion. She also has a heart tattoo on her right shoulder with “Keta” inside the heart.

The sheriff’s office has also issued a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) for a 1997 Ford Explorer which is registered to Gordon. The vehicle, which has a Virginia registration, has a license plate of XWE 7103.

“The driver’s side rear window of the vehicle is possibly broken out and the opening covered with blue tape,” Pittman said.

Wood escaped from the Bertie Martin Regional Jail after what Jail Administrator Craig Friedman called a deliberate effort on the part of other inmates.

According to footage viewed by Friedman, he said 30 inmates were in the outdoor recreation area with two guards. The officers had instructed the inmates to return to the jail when Friedman said other inmates questioned one of the guards and distracted him while Wood escaped.

“It was apparent to me watching this whole thing that they were acting in concert with Mr. Wood to keep the young trainee officer occupied while Mr. Wood was making his escape,” Friedman said. “I believe it was deliberate.”

Local officials are seeking information from the public.

“We certainly are seeking the help of anyone who has information as to the whereabouts of either suspect,” Pittman said. “Anyone wishing to provide information should contact the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office.”

The number for the BCSO is 794-5330.