A prisoner being transported from Florida to Pennsylvania escaped from a private company prisoner transport service in Cleveland early Wednesday morning after he was left unattended to use the restroom, police records show.
Wesley Massey, 36, stole a gray 2013 Volkswagen Passat while handcuffed. He drove for nearly 100 miles before leading police on a high-speed chase in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania State Police stopped attempted to stop Massey, but he sped off again going 100 mph.
He was eventually stopped by troopers in Albion, PA, about twenty minutes away from Conneaut.
Three different warrants
Crawford County records show the Massey was wanted on three different warrants stemming from firearms violations, forgery, deception, driving on a suspended license, failing to appear in court and probation violations.
"We're very familiar with Mr. Massey here in the city of Meadville," Crawford County Chief Deputy Sheriff Neil Fratus told News 5.
Massey was arrested in Flagler Co, Florida in Oct. 2016.
Attempted escape
Massey was picked up by Anthony Griffin, who is an employee with Prisoner Transportation Services of America, from Chicago to Cleveland, according to a police news release.
Crawford Co. D.A.'s office says Massey is a known "con man." Also say have used PTS of America to extradite prisoners 4 yrs w/ no problems. pic.twitter.com/j9Sac2tqr1
— Sarah Buduson (@SarahBuduson) March 16, 2017
Griffin told police he and Massey arrived at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and was at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car counter when Massey said he needed to use the restroom.
A vehicle was supposed to be rented to transport Massey to Pennsylvania.
Massey was walked to the restroom by Griffin who returned to the counter. Two minutes later, Griffin went to go check on Massey, who could not be found.
Griffin searched the airport parking lot but was unable to find Massey. Police were later called to help search for Massey.
At the time of his escape, Massey was handcuffed with chain restraints around his waist and wearing brown pants, white T-shirt and a black coat.
News 5 Cleveland reached out Griffin by telephone for a comment, but he hung up once reporters identified themselves. Representatives from Prisoner Transportation Services of America did not return phone calls made by News 5 Cleveland.
Massey is currently being held at Erie County Prison on charges of receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, driving while operating privileges suspended or revoked, and several other driving charges.
His bond is set at $200,000.
