Ohio Inmate Escapes Custody After Overpowering Deputy, Taking His Gun: Sheriff

PAULDING COUNTY, OH — Authorities in northeast Ohio are searching for an inmate who escaped custody after he allegedly attacked a deputy and was able to take his gun as he was being transported from a mental institution in Toledo to the Paulding County jail.

Jail records show that Brendan Powell, 32, was booked into the Paulding County jail July 8. WTOL in Ohio reports Powell was jailed on rape allegations.

He was last seen wearing a white and brown T-shirt, a brown sweatshirt and white tennis shoes. Powell is approximately 6 feet tall and weighs about 155 pounds.

The Paulding Progress reported that just after noon Friday, the sheriff's office received a call from a transport deputy who had been taking Powell from a mental institution back to the county jail. Powell scaled the seats of the transport vehicle and put the deputy in a headlock, which caused the vehicle to crash, the paper reports.

He was able to take the deputy's firearm and demanded to be removed from his restraints, which included a belly belt, iron leg shackles and handcuffs, the Paulding Progress reported, citing a press conference by the sheriff's department. Powell disabled the deputy's radio and disabled the vehicle under the hood before fleeing.

The deputy was able to free himself and flag down a passing motorist for help. He was treated for minor injuries.

The sheriff's office said the man is considered armed and dangerous and anyone who sees him should not approach him. The sheriff's office is asking anyone who may see him to call 911.

The FBI and U.S. Marshals are assisting with the search and a $2,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to Powell's arrest.

Image via Paulding County Sheriff's Office