Authorities search for man who escaped from Dade Correctional Institution

Ronald McCoy unaccounted for after routine inmate count Friday

FLORIDA CITY, Fla. – Authorities are currently searching for a 39-year-old man who escaped from a South Florida prison, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.

Ronald McCoy, who is serving a life sentence, was determined to be unaccounted for after a routine inmate count Friday afternoon at Dade Correctional Institution, authorities said.

"Public safety is the department's first priority, and the department is working closely with local law enforcement and (the Florida Department of Law Enforcement) to extend every resource to apprehend this inmate," the department said.

McCoy was jailed on various charges including armed robbery, weapon offenses, and assault and battery.

McCoy is 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 200 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his left arm and right chest area.

Anyone who has seen McCoy or may know his whereabouts is asked to call 911.

Follow Janine Stanwood on Twitter @JanineStanwood

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10