Author: WKYC Staff | Published: 10:11 PM EDT April 12, 2019 | Updated: 10:36 AM EDT April 14, 2019
ASHLAND, Ohio – An out-of-state prisoner who escaped custody during transport Friday night was captured again in Ashland Sunday morning.
The prisoner was identified as Said Ali El-Khatib, who is in his early 30s.
Authorities held a press conference with more information around 10 a.m.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s office says the escape happened on Interstate 71 near West Salem at mile marker 197, sparking a manhunt across the area.
Troopers received a tip that El-Khatib was spotted at a Motel 6 off I-71 in Ashland. When they arrived, he fled the lobby and was soon captured as he hid beneath a pine tree in the parking lot.
Those who live in that area were asked to keep their cars locked and remove the keys.
It is unclear what El-Khatib is in custody for, although Wayne County Sheriff’s officials believe he may be facing auto theft charges from New York. They added that El-Khatib was being transported by a private transport company. He has no connections to this area and was being moved from one state to another.
