Matthew McClellan, 31, escaped from the custody of Tuscaloosa Police Thursday morning and fled into Perry County.

He stole a 1999 Crown Victoria patrol car, according to David Hartin, public information officer for the Tuscaloosa Police Department. The vehicle was recovered Thursday afternoon in Perry County.

The vehicle was spotted by an officer with the Hale County Sheriff's Department who advised Tuscaloosa Police that he was in pursuit of the stolen vehicle.

McClellan abandoned the car and fled on foot.

The Tuscaloosa Police Helicopter Unit (Air One) responded to Perry County to assist in the investigation, Hartin said. The Tuscaloosa Police Special Response Team was also activated to assist in the search for the fugitive.

As of 6:35 p.m. Thursday, a source with the Perry County Sheriff's Department reported that authorities had searched in the area of County Road 29 and 155. Police dogs were also being used in an area near Highway 14 between Greensboro and Marion.