Russell county jail placed on lockdown

PHENIX CITY, Al.

Russell County officials say the county jail has been on lockdown for more than a week after an attempted escape.

Sheriff Heath Taylor declined to provide details of the attempted escape, but said two inmates were involved.
Taylor says Charles Smith, who was being held on one count of escape in addition to burglary, is charged with attempted escape, while James Hendrix is charged with promoting prison contraband.
Taylor says Hendrix was being held on burglary charges and the lockdown is in place while a thorough search is conducted.
Taylor says there is no visitation or commissary during the lockdown, which he hopes to complete soon.