Cesar Sanchez, 37, jumped from a moving van during a transport from a Bridgeview court back to Stateville Correctional Center around 2:15 p.m. near 159th and Farrell in Lockport.
A Will County Sheriff spokesman says Sanchez was able to jump onto a truck in Lockport and ride it to the Berryman Trucking Company at 2000 Moen Ave. in Rockdale. Surveillance video appears to show the prisoner getting off the truck, police say. Several police agencies, including the Will County's Sheriff's Department, Illinois State Police and the Department of Corrections, were combing the industrial park around 6 p.m. Friday.
Local law enforcement officials from the Will County Sheriff's Department and Lockport Police Department found what they believe is the tan prison jumpsuit Sanchez was wearing at the time of his escape.
Police initially searched a Lockport Walmart before expanding their search to nearby Rockdale. Homer Junior High School in Homer Glen was put on lockdown Friday afternoon as police swept school buses.
Sanchez is 5'6", 189 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and two tattoos - one on his right arm of the Virgin Mary with the Spanish words "para ti Mama" and one on his chest of a heart and the name "Leticia." He was wearing handcuffs at the time of his escape, but officials do not know if he is still wearing them. Police say Sanchez may have injured one of his legs during his escape.
Sanchez is considered a career criminal, doing time for burglary, robbery, retail theft, car theft, aggravated battery, misuse of credit cards and drug violations.
Police say anyone who sees Sanchez should call 911.
