Manatee Jail Escapee Still on the Lam

The 43-year-old man who walked away from the Manatee Correction Complex near Palmetto on Sunday and then is accused of carjacking a South Hillsborough County couple remains on the loose.

Manatee County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Dave Bristow said detectives are delving into the man’s background and working on leads that may point to his whereabouts.

In the meantime, “we have a warrant for escape for the guy,” Bristow said.

Residents throughout the Tampa Bay area are being asked to keep their eyes open for Meren Thompson and to contact local law enforcement if he’s spotted.

Thompson walked away from the inmate farm around 2:30 p.m. Sunday and is believed to have stolen a blue 1997 Ford F150 with a Vermont tag in Hillsborough County a short time later.

Thompson is said to be 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. His past arrests include grand theft auto, contempt of court and domestic battery charges, according to Manatee County Jail records.

Anyone who sees Thompson is asked to call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at 941-747-3011, Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or local law enforcement.

Photo Credit: Meren Thompson/Manatee County Jail