Three of four “extremely dangerous” inmates who overpowered female guards while escaping from an Ohio jail have been captured in North Carolina, authorities said.
Officers in Cary arrested the three inmates without incident near a Red Roof Inn at about 2 a.m. Monday, roughly one day after they broke out of the Gallia County Jail — some 370 miles away.
The four overpowered two female corrections officers with a homemade weapon and forced open a secured door, police said.
Brynn Martin, 40, Christopher Clemente, 24, and Troy McDaniel Jr., 30, were apprehended after a roughly two-hour search near the hotel. They were awaiting extradition to Ohio, Cary police said in a statement.
A fourth inmate, Lawrence Lee III, 29, remained on the run early Monday. Police warned residents not to approach Lee, if spotted, and to call cops instead.
Gallia County Sheriff Matt Champlin said authorities suspect Lee was with the three other inmates when they were apprehended but fled before he could be arrested. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and pants, Cary police said.
The escape was aided by at least one person from outside the jail, said Champlin, who added that they should be considered “extremely dangerous” while announcing their escape early Sunday.
The inmates managed to gain access to an administrative wing of the jail, stole keys to a correction officer’s car and drove about a block away to another waiting vehicle, Champlin told reporters during a press conference, ABC News reported.
The getaway vehicle was found later Sunday in Pennsylvania, prompting police to evacuate the Westmoreland Mall outside Greensburg as they searched for Clemente.
Anyone with information about Lee — who had been charged with felony identity fraud, obstructing official business and assault — is asked to contact Cary police at (919) 469-4012.
With Post wires