If any person charged with or convicted of any felony within this state breaks prison, escapes, absconds or flees or hides from justice, the county court or county governing body of the county in which the crime was committed, if the court or governing body deems it necessary, may offer a reward for information leading to the apprehension of such person by the appropriate police authority. [Formerly 149.010; 1981 c.300 §1; 1999 c.217 §1]