Ottawa County Kansas Jail Escapee captured in North Platte – 1 down, 2 to go!

At approximately 5:30 PM, Drew Edward Wade, one of four inmates that escaped from the Ottawa County Jail at approximately 5 AM earlier in the day, was taken into custody in North Platte, Nebraska.

Three Kansas Department of Corrections inmates housed in the Ottawa County Jail escaped custody around 5;00 AM this morning. One of the subjects, 21 year old Drew Wade was captured in North Platte around 5:00 PM by the North Platte Police, in possession of a stolen van. The other two subjects, 22 year old Santos Carrera and 22 year old Eric James are still at large. At this time there is reason to believe the two could possibly be in the North Platte area, however, there have been no confirmation on their location. The North Platte Police Department wants to alert the public to watch for these subjects. They are believed to be on foot. Santos Carrera is serving time for two counts of 1st Degree Murder. Eric James is serving time for burglary and kidnapping. Both subjects are considered armed and dangerous. Should anyone in the area observe these subjects do not approach and contact 911 immediately.

Ottawa County (KS) Sheriff Keith Coleman has reported that the inmates distracted the guards by claiming there was a water line leak in their cell. The inmates then injured three guards and threatened the 911 dispatcher. They gained entry to the main control room and escaped out of the front door.

Authorities also said a Minneapolis, KS resident was stabbed in the face when the inmates stole his car.

None of the injuries were thought to be severe, but one person was transferred to Salina Regional Hospital.

The Ottawa County Jail in Minneapolis, KS passed an inspection before it was allowed to house prison inmates, Department of Corrections spokesman Jeremy Barclay said. The four men who escaped were among 22 inmates transferred to the jail in January from the Ellsworth Correctional Facility.

As of Friday, there were 87 inmates being housed in county jails under contracts to help alleviate the prison’s overcrowding, Barclay said.

One stolen vehicle has been recovered at Walmart in connection with the escapees. The recovered vehicle was a tan 2005 Chevy Venture with KS license plates 854-DZQ.

*Another vehicle is suspected to be associated with the remaining two escapees. This vehicle is a gold 2002 Nissan Altima bearing KS license plate 649-CIC. If you see this vehicle please call 911 immediately and do not approach it.

For more on the story, click here to go to the Salina Post

These 2 inmates are stil at large and considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS. Do NOT approach or try to apprehend them, CALL 911 if you see them.