Local authorities were put on the lookout late yesterday afternoon for a Jefferson County escaped inmate who may be headed to Gallion.

Police are on the lookout for Lakendall Sims, who faces charges from 2007 on capital murder and home invasion. Police say overpowered a Bessemer Courthouse bailiff, and fired shots in the courthouse around 3:30 p.m. today.

Sims was going to court for a hearing in Judge Mac Parson’s 6th floor courtroom on the case when the bailiff was overpowered.

He took the bailiff’s uniform and gun and carjacked a blue and gray van, police said. The bailiff, who has not been identified, has been taken to an area hospital and was wearing the inmate’s uniform.

– from staff and wire reports