WBRZ - Baton Rouge

The sister of convicted kidnapper Demond Cook has been arrested after authorities say she helped her brother escape from sheriff's deputies this morning.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff's deputies arrested 32-year-old Tamaika Cook after officials at the Catahoula Parish jail, where Demond was being held, told EBRSO that Tamaika acted as a go-between for her brother and outside help in the escape.

Demond Cook escaped this morning near the district courthouse in Baton Rouge after overpowering a deputy and freeing himself from leg irons, handcuffs and a belly chain. He had been scheduled to be sentenced for a conviction on kidnapping and armed robbery charges today.

Detectives are questioning Tamaika about Cook's escape and possible whereabouts, while federal agencies are helping state and local law enforcement continue their search.

Anyone with information about Cook's location are asked to call (225) 389-5000.