***Updated at 4 p.m. Friday, June 20***
Turhan Robinson’s escape lasted less than 12 hours and ended only a few blocks from where it started.
The prisoner, charged with murder and armed robbery in the killing of Kenneth Deal on May 19 in Madison, Ill., was on his way back to Madison County from Las Vegas when he escaped from a private prisoner transport service vehicle at about 2:19 a.m. Friday in Wheat Ridge, Colo. Police set up a perimeter and used a police dog to search for Robinson, but could not locate him.
A woman walking her dog Friday in a Cemetery just outside Wheat Ridge spotted Robinson. Aware of the media reports about the escaped prisoner, the woman contacted police. Robinson was taken into custody without incident by a Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy, Jim Lorentz, of the Wheat Ridge Police Department, said.
Police are attempting to retrace Robinson’s route to determine if he committed any crimes during the time he was free.
“He was probably looking for resources to get out of town,” Lorentz said.
Robinson was last seen heading southeast of the transport vehicle, but was found northwest of the escape location, Lortenz said. Robinson broke his leg shackles and handcuffs while free.
In addition to the six felony counts he faces related to Deal’s death, Robinson is likely to face charges for escape in Colorado, Lorentz said. If investigators determine he committed additional crimes while on the run, he could face additional charges.
Original story
One of two men charged with murder and armed robbery in the killing of Kenneth Deal on May 19 in Madison, Ill. has escaped from custody while being transported to Illinois.
Turhan Robinson
Turhan Robinson, 37, of the 12000 block of Pizarro Drive in St. Louis, was arrested on May 29 in Las Vegas and was being extradited to Madison County when he escaped in the town of Wheat Ridge, Colo., at approximately 2:19 a.m. Friday. Robinson was in a private prisoner transport service vehicle that was stopped at a service station, police said.
Robinson has friends and associated in the Metro East, specifically Alton and East St. Louis, police said. He also has friends and family in the Las Vegas area.
The Wheat Ridge Police Department set up a perimeter and attempted to track Robinson, who escaped on foot, using a police dog. Wheat Ridge Police said Robinson may be wearing leg shackles and hand cuffs.
Robinson is considered extremely dangerous, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department said. Anyone with information about his location is asked to contact the department’s dispatch center (618-692-4433), investigations (618-692-0871) or the anonymous tip line (618-296-3000).
The US Marshalls are also actively searching for Robinson.
