Elmhurst police said a suspect escaped their custody near westbound I-290, just before the Austin exit, around 2:01 p.m.
WATCH | Police update on manhunt for escaped suspect
Elmhurst police update on manhunt for escaped prisoner
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Devin M. Revels, 27, made his escape after kicking out the back window of the police car and running from the scene, police said.
Elmhurst police said they had been tracking Revels and a second suspect for the past two weeks in a car they say was involved in multiple stolen catalytic converters in DuPage County.
Investigators said they caught them in the act Thursday morning, but when they tried to arrest them, they sped away.
They were arrested about an hour later in Chicago, police said. They were on the way back to Elmhurst when Revels broke free.
The transporting officer lost track of Revels in the woods along the south side of the Columbus Park Golf Course, Elmhurst police said.
"I'm disheartened by this situation," said Deputy Chief Michael McLean, Elmhurst Police Dept. "This was a property crime involving a catalytic converter theft. It did not have to escalate to this. But ultimately, Mr. Revels is the one that chose to escape out of the backseat of the car and that's his responsibility."
Revels was last seen in a tan shirt and was still in handcuffs when he escaped, investigators said. He was not armed when he was arrested, but police said he is also wanted on aggravated assault charges.
Elmhurst police and Chicago police continue to search the heavily wooded Columbus Park and surrounding areas with police K-9s and a helicopter.
Anyone with information on Revels' whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.
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This is a developing story. Check back for updates. n