Police converged on an Orangeburg area apartment complex late Thursday night in their search for an escaped inmate, according to television Web sites.

Tracking dogs were reported involved in the search in woods around the apartment complex as authorities searched for Rayshawn James, according to WLTX-TV in Columbia.

WJBF-TV in Augusta, Ga., also reported details of the story Thursday night.

It was not immediately clear which apartment complex was involved in the search.

James, 28, was sentenced in Chesterfield County to six years for distribution of crack cocaine, according to the South Carolina Department of Corrections Web site.

He began serving his sentence in September, according to The State newspaper in Columbia.

James walked away from the minimum-security facility at approximately 5:37 p.m. June 28, according to the DOC.

James is described as a black male, 5 foot 11, 204 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has several tattoos on each arm.

If convicted of felony escape, he could be sentenced to as much as 15 years in prison.

When last seen, James wore red shorts, a white T-shirt and black shoes, authorities told WJBF.

Anyone with information about James' whereabouts is asked to call 803-896-2258 or 803-737-9000 or a local law enforcement agency. The Corrections Department offers up to $500 for information leading to the capture of an escaped inmate.

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