IDOC: Inmate escapes minimum-security Vandalia Correctional Center

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Illinois Department of Corrections says Marcus Battice, 21, escaped from minimum-security Vandalia Correctional Center in Vandalia, Ill., around 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Battice had been incarcerated for possession of a stolen vehicle and had been classified as a very low escape risk. He has not yet been located.

According to IDOC, the escape occurred when Battice was returning from commissary and the specifics of his escape are still under investigation. He was last seen wearing a dark blue shirt, dark pants and white tennis shoes, all of which are of the prison-issue clothing type.

Department of Corrections officials say that Battice was eligible for parole in less than four months. The search is being coordinated by the Illinois State Police and IDOC.

Officials warn that while this man was not incarcerated for a violent offense, members of the public should exercise extreme caution with any escapee and, if sighted, contact law enforcement and do not attempt to make contact with Battice.