LIMA, Ohio– Authorities said T.J. Lane was taken into custody around 1:20 Friday morning, almost six hours after escaping from the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution in Lima.
At a press conference early Friday morning, Warden Kevin Jones said Lane was caught about 100 yards from the perimeter fence without incident.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said thermal imaging assisted in taking him into custody.
When asked if his appearance was altered in any way, Jones said Lane’s hair was not shaved.
The 19-year-old is serving three life sentences for the Chardon High School shooting.
Authorities said Lane escaped with two other inmates; one was captured right away. The other, 45-year-old Clifford E. Opperud, who was convicted of kidnapping and aggravated robbery, was captured before 4:45 a.m. Friday.
After the capture of T.J. Lane, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction released the following statement, however Opperud had not been captured at that time:
“Officials at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction have confirmed Inmate Thomas Lane III has been apprehended in Lima by the Ohio State Highway Patrol at 1:20 a.m. without incident. Inmate Lane escaped from the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution on Thursday, September 11, 2014. Inmate Lane has been returned to the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution and criminal and administrative investigations are ongoing. The search for Inmate Clifford Opperud continues.
DRC would like to thank the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Lima Police Department, US Marshals Northwest Ohio Fugitive Task Force and the FBI for the coordinated assistance provided in apprehending inmate Lane, and members of public who provided information throughout the course of the incident.”
Lane opened fire inside Chardon High School on Feb. 27, 2012, killing three teens and wounding three others.
In March of 2013, Lane was sentenced for the murders of 16-year-old Danny Parmertor, 16-year-old Demetrius Hewlin and 17-year-old Russell King, Jr.
Chardon Schools will be closed on Friday; counseling will be made available.
The superintendent released a statement after news came out that Lane had escaped. It read, in part: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Demetrius, Russell and Danny and all others affected by the tragedy.”
Montel Williams tweeted Thursday night that his heart goes out to the school and the community of Chardon.
#chardon My heart goes out to ur school tonight. Brings u right back to that day. TJ Lane isn’t what ur school is. Hang in there.
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) September 12, 2014
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