ASHLAND — The Ohio State Highway Patrol has multiple posts in northeast Ohio involved in a search for an escaped inmate.
According to a press release from the Post, at approximately 8:58 p.m. Friday the Patrol received information of an inmate that escaped from an extradition services company at the southbound rest area on Interstate 71 in Wayne County. The inmate was being transported from New York to Indiana.
The Patrol said Troopers from the Medina, Wooster and Ashland Posts, along with OSHP Aviation and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office searched the area to include vacant buildings and residences southwest of the rest area.
At approximately 1 a.m. Saturday morning the search was discontinued until day break. The Patrol and area law enforcement partners then continue to search the area Saturday for the escapee.
The escapee is Said Ali El-Khatib, 32, is 5-foot-11, 135 pounds. He has brown eyes and black/brown hair. He was last seen wearing tan pants and a tan shirt (no lettering), hand-cuffed, wearing a waist chain, and shackled on one ankle. Authorities say he is known to have a violent tendencies.
El-Khatib was arrested for larceny when he escaped from custody. El-Khatib also has local warrant from the Ashland Police Department for the same offense and has been wanted since 2014. El-Khatib should be considered dangerous and has a history with firearms.
If located, citizens are urged not to approach him, but instead call the Patrol at 330-264-0575, #677 or dial 911.
