THE DALLES, Ore. -- A man escaped Saturday morning in the Columbia Gorge while being transported to an out-of-state drug treatment center, police said.

Victor Byron Snell, 27, ran away in the area of West Seventh and Snipes at about 8 a.m. while he was being transferred to an out-of-state court-mandated drug treatment facility, Lt. Gregg Hastings said.

Before he fled while being taken to attend treatment, Snell was being held in the Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Center in connection with several high-speed attempts to flee from police, Hastings said.

Snell, who has a history of weapons violence, has many tattoos, including a peace symbol on his left shoulder, Hastings said.

He is described as a white man about 5 feet 11 inches tall, 200 pounds, with blue eyes and a shaved head.

Anyone who sees Snell should immediately call 911 or Oregon State Police Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can also call Oregon State Police Detective Lori Rosebraugh at 541-296-9646.