NATCHEZ — A Baton Rouge man that walked away from a Monroe correctional facility’s work release detail was arrested in Natchez Wednesday.

Adams County Sheriff Angie Brown said Gregory L. Downing, 39, was arrested on Homochitto Street on his way to the bus station.

While Brown did not know why Downing was in Natchez, or how long ago he had escaped, she said deputies became aware he was in Natchez when Downing visited the local United Way looking for lodging.

“He was trying to find a place to stay,” Brown said.

But as part of the United Way’s policy their beneficiaries are run through a national database to determine if they are wanted by law enforcement.

Brown said when the ACSO dispatcher informed the United Way Downing was wanted Downing learned he was about to be arrested and left.

Brown said he then went to Catholic Charities where he acquired a bus ticket for Baton Rouge and left on foot.

“They were right on top of him,” Brown said of her deputies.

Downing was incracerated in Monroe on a robbery charge, Brown said.