An inmate was captured Wednesday evening after carrying out an escape plan from a local correctional facility.
James C. Saunders, 31, of Columbus escaped from West Central Community Correctional Facility at approximately 5:55 p.m. Wednesday, according to Executive Director David Ervin.
Ervin said “there is no question” that Saunders was planning an escape.
Saunders was seen “looking around” in the dining room, Ervin said, focusing on the back door in the kitchen area.
He said Saunders was “watching closely” for the back door from the kitchen to open.
Ervin said Saunders waited until trash was taken through the door then entered the kitchen, an area he was “not authorized” to be in.
Saunders knocked other residents out of his way and “bolted out,” Ervin said.
West Central security officers did not pursue Saunders, Ervin said, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office was notified immediately.
According to reports from the Sheriff’s Office, an “extensive search” was conducted by deputies, units from the Marysville Police Department, Plain City Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Deputies and a PCPD K9 Officer eventually located Saunders “hiding in a wooded area in the 14000 block of U.S. 36.”
Ervin said West Central officials were alerted that Saunders was located at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Saunders was arrested and transported to the Tri-County Regional Jail.
Ervin said Saunders arrived at West Central on March 18.
According to Franklin County Municipal Court records, he has a number of arrests dating back to 2008, including for domestic violence, complicity, theft, burglary and robbery.
Ervin said escape attempts from West Central are uncommon.
“This was very unusual,” Ervin said.
He noted that he believes there has only been one other incident in West Central’s history in which a resident attempted to brazenly leave.
Ervin said West Central staff will have a meeting to review the incident and employees’ responses. From there, he said the facility will make any necessary protocol adjustments.