Maryland State Police were searching last night for a convicted car thief who walked away from a work detail yesterday morning in Ellicott City, police said.

David Brian Ball, 19, was cutting grass about 11: 15 a.m. with other convicts at U.S. 40 and Ridge Road when he slipped away, police said.

Police helicopters and police dogs joined the search but failed to turn up Ball.

Anyone with information is urged to call state police at 410-799-2101.

Pub Date: 5/05/98