Inmate escapes from transport van in Elyria

An inmate from the Lorain Medina Community Based Correctional Facility is back in custody after escaping on Sept. 24, according to a news release.

At 11:51 a.m., officials from the Correctional Facility notified the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office that Charles F. Thompson, 39, escaped from one of the transport vehicles, the release said.

At 4:16 p.m. Thompson was apprehended by the Elyria Police Department after he was found walking in front of the Middle Avenue Laundry Center at 8th Street and Middle Avenue. He was taken into custody without incident, the release said.

Thompson was transported to the Lorain County Jail and charged with escape, a fifth degree felony.

Don Nickerson, operations director at the Community-Based Correctional Facility, said Thompson fled from a transport van in Elyria while returning from an appearance in Lorain County Common Pleas Court for sentencing on charges of receiving stolen property and drug charges.

Thompson jumped out of the van at the intersection of West River Road and 2nd Street.

He was not restrained during transport and was able to jump out of the van and run.

Thompson ran in an easterly direction on 2nd Street wearing blue pants a white shirt and gray Nike shoes.

Deputies arrived on scene along with Elyria police and were unable to locate Thompson after checking the area.

According to court officials, Thompson was sentenced Sept. 24 to one year of community control before fleeing from custody.

He was in the custody of the Community-Based Correctional Facility after his community control had been revoked for two prior cases.

Thompson