Prison Escapee Could be in Tampa Bay Area, Cops Say

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is asking Tampa Bay area residents to be on the lookout for Ronald McCoy.

McCoy, 39, escaped from the Dade Correctional Institution on Friday. He was serving a life sentence after being convicted of robbery with a deadly weapon in Alachua County. McCoy was also convicted of crimes in Putman County and is said to have a violent past.

Officials from FDLE say McCoy is believed to have family in the Tampa area and could be in the area, according to a media release from the agency.

McCoy has a tattoo on his left arm that reads “Bicep Psyco” and has a small scar on his neck.

Anyone who spots McCoy or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact 911 immediately. Officials warn that caution should be exercised if McCoy is spotted.

Photo Credit: Ronald McCoy/Florida Department of Law Enforcement