WEST SALEM, Ohio — Authorities are searching for a prisoner who escaped during a transport on Interstate 71 near mile marker 197 in Wayne County on Friday.
The inmate, 33-year-old Said Ali El-Khatib, was on a prison transport from New York to Indiana when he escaped at a rest area, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Local authorities, OSHP and the U.S. Marshals Service are working to locate El-Hatib.
He was last seen wearing tan pants and a tan shirt. He was also wearing a waist chain that was shackled to his ankle.
El-Khatib should be considered dangerous. He has a history with firearms, U.S. Marshals said.
Authorities said residents should "remain vigilant in locking their homes, barns and any out buildings. They should also be locking their cars and keep valuables out of sight in their vehicles. Residents are further urged to call police if they notice anything missing from their homes or barns, such as clothes, boots, or food."
Anyone with information about El-Khatib's whereabouts is asked to call the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-866-4WANTED or texting the word "wanted" and the tip to TIP411 (847411). You can also contact the OSHP Wayne County post by calling 330-264-0575.
