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Manhunt underway after prisoner escaped at I-80 rest area near Princeton, Illinois

A prisoner escaped near Princeton, Illinois at a rest stop on Interstate 80, police say.

A prisoner escaped near Princeton, Illinois at a rest stop on Interstate 80, police say.

The prisoner, Joshua Drinnon, escaped a vehicle at the westbound Great Sauk Trail rest area on I-80, near mile marker 51, according to a statement from Trooper Jason Wilson with the Illinois State Police. Police found out about the escape around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2015 when Inmate Services Transport Company contacted police to tell them about Drinnon's escape.

Drinnon is described as a 35-year-old white man standing six-feet, one-inch tall, 200 pounds, and bald, with blue eyes. Wilson said Drinnon was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and red wind suit pants.  He was last seen going into the field north of the rest area.

Manhunt underway after prisoner escaped at I-80 rest area near Princeton, Illinois

"Residents in the area are encouraged to lock all vehicles, out buildings and residences," said the statement.

State patrol troopers, air operations, and investigators were called to the area to help search.  Princeton Police and Bureau County Sheriff also sent K9 units and tactical teams to the area.

Police later said Illinois State Police Special Weapons and Tactics Teams were sent to the search area. They, along with the Bureau County Sheriff's Department, planned to do a grid-style search of nearby buildings. A helicopter has also been sent there.

Residents were being asked to report any suspicious activity. If you see Drinnon, "do not attempt to capture, immediately call police," authorities said.

According to Wilson's statement, Drinnon was being held for aggravated robbery.  He had been picked up in Blountville, Tennessee and was being transported to another facility in San Diego, California.

Manhunt underway after prisoner escaped at I-80 rest area near Princeton, Illinois

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