Police: Body found in Ohio River believed to be escaped Lima inmate

HENDERSON, KY — The five-day manhunt for an escaped Ohio inmate has reportedly come to an end.

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The Henderson, Kentucky Police Department said a body found in the Ohio River is believed to be the body of Bradley Gillespie, the escaped Lima inmate, Police Chief Sean McKinney announced at a news conference Sunday.

They received a call around 1:30 a.m. of a body floating in the river close to the last known whereabouts of Gillespie. The body was found by a boater, McKinney said.

An initial investigation has led police to believe it is him but an official autopsy won’t be conducted until Tuesday.

“I’ve been in law enforcement for 26 years and it’s been the longest five days of my career for sure,” said McKinney. “At least 40 or more personnel gave it all they had. I don’t regret for one minute all the assets that came and helped.”

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Gillespie had been on the run since Tuesday when he and James Lee escaped from Allen/Oakwood Correctional Institution in Lima.

It was determined they exited the prison after concealing themselves in a dumpster, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction.

Ohio State Highway Patrol was later informed Tuesday evening that the two were believed to be driving a Mercury Capri stolen out of Auglaize County, according to a media release.

The chase ended with Lee in custody but Gillespie ran from officers.

Police believe Gillespie is near Henderson, Kentucky where the chase ended.

We will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

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