Authorities are still searching for an Effingham County Jail inmate who escaped early Saturday morning.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service are looking for Jackie Thorne, who has been in the jail since his arrest for a carjacking attempt last December.

“We’re using all of our resources,” said ECSO Detective David Ehsanipoor.

Thorne was facing charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault and aggravated assault on a police officer and was scheduled to go to trial this week. He was indicted on 16 charges by a grand jury in March.

“He was facing some serious charges,” Ehsanipoor said.

Thorne, from Newington, also faces an escape charge if he is apprehended again.

Last December, Thorne led deputies on a high-speed chase — after he ran one vehicle off the road and carjacked a couple who had stopped to help him — and then barricaded himself in a vehicle, holding officers at bay for hours before surrendering.

Authorities believe he got out of the jail through an air duct and made his way onto the roof. They have not pinpointed what time Thorne made his way out of the jail.

“All steps are being taken to make sure he is captured and to ensure the safety of the citizens of Effingham County,” Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie said. “All precautions are being taken to ensure our citizens’ safety.”

Ehsanipoor said Thorne is considered dangerous and if he is spotted, he should not be approached. Ehsanipoor said people who see Thorne should instead call 911 or the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 754-3449.