Escaped inmate still on loose from corrections facility in Saginaw

This story was updated 12:36 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25.

SAGINAW — Authorities continued to search Thursday, Sept. 25, for an inmate who escaped from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center in Saginaw on Tuesday evening.

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office notified the public Wednesday that deputies were searching for Michael Todd Hart, 40. They've since identified and detained two alleged accomplices, including one who was charged with aiding an offender and was in jail as of Thursday morning.

According to a news release, St. Louis County 911 received multiple calls throughout Wednesday that Hart was seen in the area of highways 8 and 53. Extensive law enforcement resources were deployed, including four K-9 tracking teams, a Minnesota State Patrol fixed wing aircraft, drones and many deputies and officers from assisting agencies.

Ultimately, the suspect was not located. The sheriff's office stated this was largely due to time delays between the original witness observation, their decision to call 911, and deputies and law enforcement resources being properly deployed as updated information was received. It was made even more difficult due to the challenging heavily wooded and swampy terrain.

As of Thursday, the operation moved from an active search to an ongoing investigation. Authorities said they believe Hart will try to make his way back to the Iron Range, where he has many friends, family and other associates. Investigation to locate Hart and take him into custody is ongoing and will be coordinated with other agencies.

Hart is white, 5 feet, 10 inches and 169 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a yellow sweatshirt, gray T-shirt and blue pants. Anyone who thinks they saw him should not approach and call 911.

According to court records, Hart has been convicted of numerous charges, including domestic assault, driving while intoxicated, drug possession and property damage.