Ohio Prison Escapee Spotted In Westmoreland Co. Captured; All 4 Inmates Now In Custody
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Four inmates from Ohio, including one suspect spotted Sunday in Westmoreland County, are back in police custody after a massive, multi-state manhunt.
Police in Cary, North Carolina, apprehended Brynn Martin, Christopher Clemente and Troy McDaniel, Jr. early Monday morning.
The inmates escaped over the weekend from the Gallia County Jail in Ohio.
Clemente was last seen at a Sheetz on Route 22 in New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, Sunday morning.
He was believed to be in the area of Westmoreland Mall a few hours later, prompting an evacuation. Shoppers and workers were forced from the shops on Sunday, but it was ultimately searched and determined to be clear. The mall reopened shortly afterward.
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Clemente and the two other inmates were captured around 2 a.m. today in the Red Roof Inn parking lot on Walnut Street in Cary. Police there got a call in the middle of the night that the four fugitives had been pinged in the area.
The fourth inmate was captured Monday afternoon in Durham, North Carolina.
Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin said in a statement: "I am pleased to report that just a short while ago the fourth and final escapee, Lawrence R. Lee III was taken into custody by law enforcement officials in Durham, NC. I would like to thank the hard working law enforcement professionals who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to providing an end to the search for these escapees. Additionally, I want to thank everyone who has shown support for my office and our law enforcement across this great nation. Everyday, our jobs become tougher and more dangerous. My staff and I appreciate your continued prayers and support as we continue to work hard for you every day."
The Gallia County Sheriff in Ohio believes the inmates were able to escape the the jail when they overpowered two female corrections officers with a homemade weapon.
"The inmates stole the keys of one of the corrections officers' vehicles. They then stole that vehicle and proceeded approximately one block south of the Gallia County Jail… where they had a vehicle waiting for them," said Sheriff Champlin
All four men are awaiting extradition back to Ohio.
The Greensburg-Salem School District was placed on a two-hour delay because police were looking for Clemente; however, state police say there is no longer a threat to the community.
