Authorities in Southern Illinois are searching for an escaped Tennessee prisoner serving a life sentence for murder after a stolen truck connected to the escape was discovered Tuesday in Marion.
Marion Police identified the fugitive as Jacob Allen Morley, who authorities say should be considered dangerous.
According to police, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation contacted the Marion Police Department around 10 a.m. Tuesday after a local resident spotted a vehicle matching the description of a truck reportedly stolen by Morley.
The resident had seen news coverage of the prison escape and recognized the vehicle parked behind a Marion business.
Officers responded and recovered a 2008 Ford F-350 flatbed truck. However, investigators found no evidence that Morley was still in the immediate area.
Marion Police officers, the department’s Emergency Response Team, the U.S. Marshals Service and Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area and other locations throughout Marion.
Despite searching for much of the day, authorities were unable to locate Morley.
Investigators also followed up on an additional possible lead, but that investigation did not produce any new evidence or information about his whereabouts.
Police say there is currently no evidence indicating Morley is armed. However, because of his criminal history and escape from custody, authorities continue to warn the public that he should be considered dangerous.
Anyone who sees Morley is urged not to approach him or attempt to make contact.
Instead, residents should immediately notify law enforcement.
Anyone with information concerning Morley’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Marion Police Department at 618-993-2124.