CLIVE, Iowa (AP) – Authorities are looking for a prisoner who escaped in suburban Des Moines while being transferred for a court hearing in a burglary case.  Polk County Sheriff’s Lt. Brent Long said Friday that 37-year-old Kenny Bevard remained at large. Bevard escaped around 4:50 p.m. Thursday in Clive while being driven to Adel in adjacent Dallas County.

Officials say Bevard was handcuffed when got out and ran as the Dallas County sheriff’s vehicle stopped in traffic. He reached a nearby wooded area. An automated phone message was sent to area residents about the escape.  Officers suspect Bevard soon stole a van from a truck stop. The van was found later in Urbandale.

Authorities say Bevard has served prison time for burglary and for being a felon in possession of a firearm.