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Prisoner Uses Makeshift Dummy In Escape Attempt

MUSKEGON (WWJ/AP) - An official says a prisoner in West Michigan placed a makeshift dummy in his bed and buried himself in a prison-yard garden in an attempt to escape.

Tom Tylutki, president of the Michigan Corrections Organization, told The Muskegon Chronicle the escape attempt happened Sunday night at Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility near Muskegon.

Tylutki said officers discovered the prisoner missing after his cellmate started acting odd. The cellmate eventually told officers the prisoner was gone.

The prisoner used various items to make it look like he was in his bunk, including something that resembled a head, Tylutki said.

Officers went searching for the prisoner and eventually found him in a garden area.

"He literally buried himself in the garden in the facility. He had sheets with him, tied up in knots and was going to use them to get over the fence to make a break for it," Tylutki told The Muskegon Chronicle.

Department of Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan said the prisoner has some "mental health issues." Michigan State Police officials are handling the investigation.

The prisoner's name wasn't immediately released. He could face charges in the escape attempt.

TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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