Two inmates remain at large after escape at Kansas jail

MINNEAPOLIS, Kan. – Four inmates escaped early Wednesday from a north-central Kansas jail where they were transferred because of overcrowding at the state prison, and two of the men -- including a convicted murderer -- remain on the loose.

The Ottawa County Jail in Minneapolis, a small town about 120 miles west of Topeka, 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.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that the four men escaped around 4:45 a.m., but one was quickly apprehended. The other three remained on the loose for hours.

Department spokesman Jeremy Barclay said 21-year-old Drew Wade was taken into custody Wednesday evening in North Platte, Nebraska.

Wade was convicted of robbery and aggravated battery, according to online prison records. Records also show he and the other two inmates still loose had numerous disciplinary issues while behind bars.

Sheriff's officials declined to say how the men broke out. Barclay said the state prison system is facing overcrowding and that officials are asking legislators for funds to expand bed space at Ellsworth.

Carrera is in prison for a first-degree murder in Sedgwick County that happened in March 2007. James was convicted of aggravated robbery, burglary, kidnapping and criminal damage charges across three counties for crimes in February 2008, according to online Department of Corrections records. Wade was convicted in Shawnee County on robbery and aggravated battery charges.

Records also show that the three men have long histories of disciplinary issues while behind bars. Carrera was written up 39 times since January 2009, James had 38 violations since May 2009, and Wade had nine since 2011.

The escape prompted North Ottawa County schools superintendent Larry Combs to call off classes Wednesday. He initially called a two-hour delay but then canceled classes after being told the men were still missing at 8 a.m.

"We're a small town," Combs said. "The kids in the country would probably be fine, but if the escapees were on the streets and we have 300 kids who walk to school on a nice spring day, I felt it was in the best interest of the kids to keep them out of schools today so they're not a target.

"This was one of those decisions that's not on the books," he added. "We have crisis plans for almost all situations, but a jailbreak is not on that list."

Kansas Highway Patrol spokesman Ben Gardner said about 20 troopers, a canine unit and airplane are helping with the search. He acknowledged the seriousness of the men's crimes but said anyone who breaks out of jail should be considered dangerous.

"Whatever crimes they've committed are important to note, but in reality when they're trying to break free, there's no telling what could occur," Gardner said.