BUTLER TWP — The search for a convicted thief continues after he managed a hasty getaway Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

It initially appeared that James J. Kelly, 23, of Butler was cornered at the Old Plank Estates apartment complex.

Butler County sheriff’s deputies had gone there shortly before 4 p.m. looking for Kelly, who was wanted on a bench warrant

“We received information he was there,” Sheriff Mike Slupe said today. “We also had information that he was a runner.”

Just in case, deputies called township police, who set up a perimeter in the area, said township police Lt. John Hays. Butler police also assisted.

But Kelly escaped out an apartment window and dashed into nearby woods.

An extensive search followed but he avoided capture. By 6 p.m., the search was called off.

But Slupe said the search for Kelly is not over.

“It’s in his best interest to turn himself in,” Slupe said, “because we’re not going to stop looking.”

The sheriff’s office has been looking for Kelly since March 30, when Judge Tim McCune issued a warrant after he failed to appear for a hearing on a probation violation.

Kelly violated his probation in connection with a 2008 conviction for theft from a vehicle, according to court documents.

Anyone with information about Kelly’s whereabouts is asked to call the sherriff’s office at 724-284-5245, township police at 724-285-9600, or 911.