A work release inmate working at a bagel shop has escaped from the job site after authorities said he stole money and a van.

The Division of Prisons and local law enforcement officals are looking for Roderick Baldwin, 45, a work release inmate who left  Friday night from his job at a Chapel Hill bagel shop after stealing a van and about $300 in cash.

"We have our fugitive squad out and we have our facility employees and staff checking on leads," said Orange County Correctional Center Acting Superintendent Armstead Hodges.

Hodges said around 30 Orange County inmates are taking part in the work release program, which allows the inmates to have jobs outside the facility because of good behavior.

"We've got a great track record with the work release program," Hodges said.

He said the last Orange County work release inmate to escape was in 2006, and that person was caught within 24 hours.

Baldwin, 45, is serving two consecutive five-year, 10-month sentences as a habitual felon. He had been scheduled for release in June 2011.

Department of Correction records show Baldwin had been convicted on numerous charges including larceny, forgery and credit card theft.

The records also show Baldwin had previously escaped from custody in Orange County in 1989.

Employees at Bagels on the Hill, where Baldwin had been working since March, described him as a hard and dedicated worker.

"That's why everyone here is just kind of frazzled," said employee Craig Gaffney. "We just didn't expect him to do anything like that."

The shop's co-owner said Baldwin had helped to close the shop Friday night after completing his work.

That's when he's believed to have stolen the van and cash.

The missing van is a white 2003 Ford with state commercial license plate number BT-6257.

Anyone who has seen the van or Baldwin should call local law enforcement or Orange Correctional Center at 732-9301.