$5,000 reward offered for escaped Cherokee County inmates

COLUMBUS, Kan. – Cherokee County, Kansas authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the capture of two escapees from the Cherokee County Jail.

(Previous Story: Two inmates escape Cherokee County jail overnight)

30-year-old Mark Hopkins II and 34-year-old Michael Martstolf escaped the Columbus facility at 11:00 p.m. Monday May 24, 2021. Hopkins was held in

connection to a June 2020 double homicide, and Martstolf was held on felony narcotic charges. Police believe they escaped through the jail’s sewer system. Both escapees are considered armed and dangerous.

Law enforcement also recovered the white passenger car they believe the inmates left the jail in.

Anyone with information on the escapees should call the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 429-3992 or submit a tip through text at 888777. Just type “tip cherokee” followed by the information.