Bradley Gillespie
By TopTrendReportTv
May 24, 2023
Nationwide Hunt for Fugitives Reaches Tri-State Area Following Prison Escape
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) - A massive manhunt is underway as law enforcement agencies across the nation join forces to track down two inmates who escaped from a prison in Lima, Ohio. The search has now extended to the Tri-State area, with Henderson, Kentucky becoming a focal point. For a live update on the ongoing search, please refer to the video player above. In case of any issues accessing the live stream, click here.
The Henderson Police Department has made a significant development in the case, as they believe they have located a stolen vehicle that the escaped inmates, James Lee and Bradley Gillespie, were occupying. The vehicle, identified as a Mercury Capris convertible, was spotted by authorities near Atkinson Park on Highway 41 at approximately 3 a.m. Efforts to apprehend the fugitives were set in motion, but when officers attempted to stop the vehicle, a high-speed chase ensued. Ultimately, the pursued vehicle crashed on Camaro Drive, prompting the two inmates to flee on foot. James Lee was successfully apprehended after being taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.
However, Bradley Gillespie, the other escaped inmate, remains at large. Gillespie faces charges including murder, breaking and entering, theft, assault, and numerous other offenses.
The U.S. Marshals and the Ohio State Highway Patrol have announced a joint reward of up to $20,000 for any information leading to the capture of the escaped inmates.
Henderson police have established a perimeter in the vicinity of Camaro Drive, where residents are advised to exercise caution by keeping their doors locked. If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Bradley Gillespie, they are urged to contact 911 immediately.
The disappearance of Gillespie and Lee from the Allen-Oakwood Correctional institution was discovered on Tuesday. The prison facility is located approximately 350 miles away from Evansville.
Evansville Police have also joined the efforts to locate the fugitives. They were contacted by Henderson Police, who received a tip about a potential attempt to swim across the Ohio River along Old Henderson Road near Hickory Ridge. However, after thorough investigation, no evidence of such an escape route was found.
At around 6 a.m., U.S. Marshals arrived at the scene, swiftly followed by a police K9 unit around 7 a.m. The K9 was deployed to track the scent left by the escaped inmates and led law enforcement towards Atkinson Park.
Henderson Police have established a command post at the Hays Boat Ramp to coordinate operations. As part of the ongoing manhunt, the park has been closed to the public. Meanwhile, Deaconess Henderson Hospital has confirmed that they are currently on lockdown as a precautionary measure, but individuals in need of medical care will still receive necessary assistance with the help of on-site security personnel.
As the search intensifies, a military helicopter has been observed flying over Henderson in the area where the operation is being conducted. The helicopter's movements have been visible through the Henderson tower camera.
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