Christopher Bates is described as a 5’4” Black male weighing 144 lbs. He has a neck tattoo and gold teeth.

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Update: Gulf Shores Police Department stopped the search for escaped inmate Christopher Ivy Bates. Investigators believe Bates had an accomplice and fled the area. The Law Enforcement Services Division of the Alabama Department of Corrections is working to apprehend him.

Gulf Shores Police Department are assisting the Alabama Department of Corrections in locating an escaped inmate.

Christopher Ivy Bates escaped from his assigned workplace at approximately 11:30 a.m. He was last seen around the County Road 8 area. Bates discarded his inmate uniform and was dressed in only his underwear and a plain white T-shirt. Police believe he may have stolen a bicycle.

Bates is described as a 5’4” Black male weighing 144 lbs. He has a neck tattoo and gold teeth.

Bates was sentenced to 20 years for robbery and possession of marijuana in 2010. He has served over 11 years of his sentence and according to the Alabama Department of Correction, was up for parole consideration in December.

Anyone with information or video doorbell or similar footage of Christopher Bates in the area is encouraged to contact the Gulf Shores Police Department at (251) 968-2431.

Gulf Shores Police have asked residents to refrain from calling GSPD or 9-1-1 requesting updates on the search. Follow Gulf Coast Media for information to be updated as it develops.