LIMA—Authorities at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction have confirmed that two individuals managed to escape from the high-security confines of the Allen/Oakwood Correctional Institution (AOCI) on Monday. Law enforcement agencies are now on high alert as they intensify efforts to locate and apprehend the fugitives.
The escapees have been identified as Bradley Gillespie and James Lee. Gillespie, bearing inmate number 730242, was admitted to AOCI on November 4, 2016. He hails from Paulding County and has been convicted of murder. Gillespie was born on May 11, 1973. The second escapee, James Lee, is identified by inmate number 785575. He was admitted to AOCI on March 8, 2021, and his crimes include burglary, breaking and entering, safecracking, and judicial sanction. Lee’s offenses span across Allen and Auglaize Counties, and his date of birth is recorded as February 17, 1976.
Prison officials are actively collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to track down and apprehend Gillespie and Lee. Given the nature of their offenses and their successful escape, authorities are cautioning the public to consider the individuals dangerous. Citizens are advised to exercise extreme caution and refrain from approaching them. If anyone spots either Gillespie or Lee or possesses any information concerning their whereabouts, immediate contact with emergency services by dialing 911 is strongly encouraged.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is on-site and leading the investigation.