Two days after a 23-year-old inmate escaped from a county jail south of Chicago, police were still searching for him. Police believe there may be someone who is helping him stay hidden, according to a WGN report.
As a correctional officer at the Kankakee County Jail was making his rounds, previous reports indicate that Kamron Taylor beat up the guard, put on his uniform, and took his keys on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Taylor was in the jail awaiting sentencing after he was convicted of murder.
On Friday, April 3, police continued to search for Taylor.
WGN reported that police have searched more than 50 locations in the search and have been responding to tips. Also helping in the search are criminal profilers with in-depth knowledge of Taylor’s background and associates- those who are believed to be helping him.
The Kankakee County sheriff said budget cuts could have played a part in the escape.
“Because of budget reductions… we laid off a number of certified correctional officers that were full-time employees,” said Sheriff Tim Bukowski, according to WGN. “And our staff, because of the loss of these other staff members, have been forced to work some overtime and when that happens repeatedly, they get tired and they start to make mistakes.”
It was suspected that the officer who Taylor overpowered on Wednesday was “probably targeted” because they looked similar. Taylor presumably used the officer’s ID and left the building after being checked by a camera.
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Police say Taylor is believed to be armed and dangerous.
CNN contributed to this report.