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Government

Escaped Prisoner Still on the Loose

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Illinois State Police, District 7
Joshua Drinnon

After looking for an escaped convict for 25 hours, Illinois State Police say the search has been suspended. Late Wednesday afternoon, a private company asked local and state police for help when 35-year-old Joshua Drinnon got away from employees at a rest stop near Princeton along I-80. He was being take from a court hearing in Tennessee to a prison in San Diego, California. A total of eight prisoners were being transferred on the trip.

Illinois State Trooper Jason Wilson says the air and ground search involved 16 agencies, more than 100 people, and police dogs. They stopped looking at six last night.

California prison officials say Drinnon got out of his restraints, scaled a fence, and ran into a cornfield.

He's been serving a 17-year sentence for robbery at a state prison in San Diego. He's scheduled for parole in about ten years, but faces another six years for aggravated robbery in Tennessee.

Wilson says residents should continue to keep their homes, garages, out buildings, and vehicles locked. And people should look at Drinnon's photo to be able to recognize him.

Anyone who notices suspicious activity, no matter how trivial, should call 911. The trooper says tips about something being moved or other small details may give detectives enough information to break the case and find the prisoner.

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.