An escaped inmate from a work detail assignment in Okeechobee has investigators searching for the man across numerous counties in Central Florida, including Osceola County.

Investigators said 28-year-old Timothy L. Howton-McLaughin escaped Thursday afternoon from the Okeechobee Correctional Institution and is suspected to be driving a 1995 white Ford F-150 pickup truck with a black pipe rack over the bed and cab, according to investigators. The license plate number is DC7636.

The Florida Department of Correction said drivers may see an increase in law enforcement officers in the following counties:

Okeechobee
Indian River
Saint Lucie
Highlands
Polk
Osceola
Brevard

Anyone who sees the inmate is asked to call 911.