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A pair of Kootenai County inmates housed in Yakima have escaped from custody.

Steven Douglas Roche, 31, and Chad Everett Tipton, 31, were discovered missing early this morning by Yakima County corrections officers, according to a news release from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.

Yakima officials reported that all inmates were present at the corrections center when a headcount and wristband check was conducted at 7 p.m. Monday.

A press release from Yakima County said:

“A search of the facility found a door leading from an inside recreational yard, to the outside, was found unsecured. It is unknown at this time when the door was unsecured, or by whom. All indications are the door would have had to be left unsecure by a staff member who had access to facility keys. In addition an internal gate was found open. Although pry marks were found on the outside of the door it is not believed that was the method of entry.”

Roche, whose known address is Spokane, was being held on burglary and grand theft charges.

Tipton, of Post Falls, was being held on charges of assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, unlawful possession of a firearm and resisting arrest.

Local law enforcement agencies are attempting to notify Tipton's victims, said Kootenai County's news release.

"Kootenai County Jail houses inmates in other facilities in North Idaho and Washington due to current overcrowded conditions,” the release said. “Tipton and Roche are two  of 37 inmates housed in Yakima today.”

Although it is not known if Roche or Tipton have access to weapons at this time, the Sheriff's Office warns they should be considered dangerous.  

Per the Sheriff's Office, anyone who sees them or who has  information about their location, should contact 911.