Oregon correctional inmate walks off worksite in Salem

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man who was in custody with the Oregon Department of Corrections walked off of a worksite in Salem Monday afternoon, authorities said.

T.J. Harvey Bennett walked away from the work crew near Southeast 46th Place and Red Cherry Court Southeast at around 3 p.m., officials said.

"Bennett, 44, is a white male weighing 165 lbs., 5’ 08’’ tall, with hazel eyes and brown hair," the Oregon DOC said in a release. "He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue shirt, and an orange vest."

Bennet had been in DOC's custody since October 9 of last year for a first-degree burglary charge out of Columbia County. His earliest release date would have been March 16, 2025. He was in custody at the Santiam Correctional Institution and worked with a City of Salem work crew.

The DOC and Oregon State Police are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact them.