Baker County issues national alert for escaped convict

ALBANY - The Baker County sheriff&#39;s department has put out a national lookout for a man who escaped from jail who has a history of violent crimes. <br> <br> WALB in Albany is reporting that 35-five-year-old Benjamin Whitfield escaped from jail Wednesday night. He was arrested in Newton for burglary at about 6 p.m. Four hours later, he ran out an unlocked door. <br> <br> Whitfield has a long track record. In 1984, he served three years for aggravated assault and escape at the old Baker County jail. <br> <br> A year later, in 1988, he was convicted of second degree murder, robbery and written threats to kill. He served a full sentence and was released in 2000. <br> <br> Agencies in Dougherty County and eight surrounding counties have been contacted about the escape. Officials believe Whitfield is in the Albany area. <br> <br> Whitfield escaped after he was let out of his cell to get a drink of water. <br> <br> Baker County Deputy Aubrey Suggs said the door should be locked every evening, but it&#39;s not mandatory. Suggs said he thinks the sheriff will make changes to jail rules.