Illinois State Police patrol Interstate 55 west of Lexington, Ill., after fugitives from South Carolina were spotted in the area. Associated Press

Illinois deputies capture fugitive

COLUMBIA - Deputies in central Illinois have captured one of two inmates who escaped from a maximum security prison in Marlboro County, and authorities said they thought they were close to catching the second fugitive.

ADVERTISEMENT

Have a thought? Go to the Forums or Chat.

Subscribe  E-mail this story  Write a letter to the Editor  Printer-friendly version  Get news on your PDA  Get e-mail headlines

Robert Fortener Diehl, 26, was tracked down by police dogs at about 6 a.m. Wednesday after he ran from officers during a traffic stop, said Sgt. Jeff Landers, of the McLean County, Ill., sheriff's office.

Mr. Diehl was with 25-year-old Jonathan Melton, Sheriff Landers said. South Carolina prison officials said the two broke out of the Evans Correctional Institution on Sunday morning.

Mr. Melton also ran from the car. Deputies said he was probably still nearby and police dogs and helicopters were trying to track him down in a rural area near Lexington, Ill., Sheriff Landers said.

Officers tried to stop the suspects on Interstate 55 but were led on a 20-mile chase, Sheriff Landers said.

Mr. Melton was serving 18 years for burglary and other crimes in Horry and Richland counties. Mr. Diehl was serving 15 years for burglary and other charges in Horry County.

The capture came one day after State Law Enforcement Division agents charged two people from Myrtle Beach with helping the inmates escape.

Christopher Rodabaugh, 18, and Wendy Crume, 27, bought tools from a Conway Wal-Mart to use in the escape, according to arrest warrants.

Mr. Rodabaugh cut the outside fence at the prison on the outskirts of Bennettsville, while Ms. Crume drove the inmates away from the prison, the division said.

Inmates told investigators the escape had been planned for months. The warrant says Ms. Crume told several relatives about the plan.

--From the Thursday, July 29, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle