Ohio inmate escapes into the woods before he’s spotted hours later at McDonald’s

While on a bicycle at the drive-thru, the man tried to order a burger. An employee recognized him and called 911

June 05, 2023 03:42 PM

Jason Lyle Conrad was being held in a county jail for charges of drug trafficking and having weapons while under disability, among other charges, according to jail records.

By Brendan Rascius
The Charlotte Observer

AKRON, Ohio — A fugitive’s desire for fast food led to his quick capture in Ohio, officials said.

While being transported to a medical appointment on May 30, Jason Lyle Conrad, 39, escaped a vehicle and fled into the woods near Akron, according to a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Various law enforcement agencies searched for Conrad throughout the afternoon and evening, but did not locate him.

The next morning, Conrad reportedly showed up at a McDonald’s in Akron, according to WKYC, citing police.

While on a bicycle at the drive-thru, Conrad tried to order a burger for $1, according to WJW.

An employee recognized him because of his limp and tattoos and called 911, according to the news outlet.

When contacted by McClatchy News, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Marshals Service could not confirm the reported incident at McDonald’s but said they had received tips that Conrad was in the area of west Akron.

Following the reports, Akron police officers and an Ohio State Highway Patrol aviation unit responded to the area near Market Street, officials said.

Conrad was found on train tracks, and after a short pursuit, he was apprehended.

“Knowing this fugitive is off the streets makes the city of Akron a safer place and the U.S. Marshals Service will not give up searching until fugitives like this are behind bars,” U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated in the release.

Conrad was being held in a county jail for charges of drug trafficking and having weapons while under disability, among other charges, according to jail records.

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