LIMA, Ohio (WJW) – Police in Kentucky have captured one of two inmates who escaped from an Ohio prison.
Bradley Gillespie and James Lee had both escaped from the Allen/Oakwood Correctional Institution along state Route 65, North West Street, according to a Tuesday news release.
Early Wednesday morning, the Henderson Police Department said they spotted a stolen vehicle they believed was occupied by the two escaped inmates. According to FOX 8’s sister station, WEHT, the vehicle was a Mercury Capris convertible.
Henderson officers say they attempted to pull over the convertible, but the inmates fled.
Officers then chased the car until it wrecked, and the two inmates took off on foot, according to Henderson police.
Officers were able to capture and arrest James Lee. However, Gillespie remains on the run.
According to WEHT, Evansville Police are assisting with the search and say they were contacted by Henderson Police about someone who may have been trying to swim across the Ohio River. However, authorities say they did not find any evidence of anyone trying to swim across the river.
Gillespie, 50, has been incarcerated since November 2016 on a murder conviction out of Paulding County. He is described as 6’ tall, 200 pounds, and was last seen wearing dark clothing. He appeared to still have a bald head, said police.
Gillespie is considered dangerous. Anyone who spots him or has information on their whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately.
As of 6 a.m. officers in Henderson said they had a perimeter set up in the area and were continuing to search for Gillespie. They encouraged the local community to stay vigilant and keep their doors locked.
U.S. Marshals and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are offering up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest. Tips can be anonymous.
Lee, 47, has been incarcerated since March 2021 on convictions for burglary, breaking and entering and safecracking out of Allen and Auglaize counties.