Columbia, SC (WOLO) -- The search is on for three escaped juveniles.

A Department of Juvenile Justice spokesperson says 17 year old Ritchie Hicks, 18 year old Deatron Grant and 18 year old Ja-Quan Brewton, escaped from custody Monday morning while being transported to an eye appointment.

Crandall Sims reporting,"According to the Department of Juvenile Justice, a van carrying the juveniles, pulled up to this block of Taylor's Street. Officials say when the juveniles went to exit the van, that's when they ran."

Authorities say the trio took off toward Oak Street and out of sight.

Back at the van, the two officers transporting the juveniles, called for back-up.

DJJ officials say the two officers did not run after the trio, because two other juveniles remained in the transport van.

ABC Columbia News has learned officers with the Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff's Department and DJJ are searching for the escapees.

DJJ officials say they followed protocol in an otherwise routine trip to a medical appointment and they also believe the juveniles used some sort of device to remove the handcuffs and shackles that were on them, when put into the van.

Hicks is currently serving a 12-18 month sentence for simple assault and a weapons charge of pointing and presenting a firearm at a person.

Grant is serving an 18-36 month sentence for reckless driving and failure to stop for a blue light.

Brewton is serving an 18-36 month sentence for drug possession.

DJJ officials say the trio is now part of the largest escape DJJ has seen since the 1980's and as of Monday afternoon, they are still on the run.

If you have any information on their whereabouts call the Department of Juvenile Justice or Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.