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Prisoner who escaped off I-80 in Bureau County remains at large after second search day

The manhunt for a prisoner who escaped a transport vehicle west of Princeton, Illinois has continued into a second day. Police said they were “still act...

The  manhunt for a prisoner who escaped a transport vehicle west of Princeton, Illinois has continued into a second day.  Police said they were "still actively searching" after he escaped at a rest area off Interstate 80.

The escapee, 35-year-old Joshua Drinnon was last seen entering a field north of the Great Sauk Trail rest area off I-80 west at mile marker 51, according to the Illinois State Police.   Inmate Services Transport Company notified police about the escape around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, 2015.

At the start of day two of the search, Thursday, September 3, police said they had shut down the Great Sauk Trail rest areas off I-80 both east and westbound, according to police.  The rest area was reopened around 10:30 a.m.

"At this time all reported sightings have been investigated and unfounded," said a statement from the Illinois State Police around 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

After hours of investigating Thursday, Illinois State Police suspended their search around 6 p.m.  Tips about the situation "will be investigated on a case by case basis," police said.

Prisoner who escaped off I-80 in Bureau County remains at large after second search day

Drinnon is described as a white man standing six-feet, one-inch tall, 200 pounds, and bald with blue eyes.  Police said Drinnon was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and red wind suit pants.

Police said residents in the area were urged to keep all vehicles, out buildings and homes locked.

State troopers, Princeton Police, Bureau County Sheriff's deputies, a helicopter, K9 units, and tactical teams were sent Wednesday evening to the search area.  Investigators planned to do a grid-style search of nearby buildings.

As of Thursday, the United States Marshal Service was on scene to continue the investigation.

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 the police 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.

The gallery below shows multiple photos of Joshua Drinnon.

Prisoner who escaped off I-80 in Bureau County remains at large after second search day

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