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Work-crew escapee stole truck at water-treatment plant, police say

Suspected of stealing a black Ford F-250 flatbed mounted with three 100-gallon diesel tanks for refueling construction equipment

By Randy Ludlow
The Columbus Dispatch

MADISON COUNTY — Authorities still are searching for a prisoner who escaped from a work crew in Madison County, but he appears to have a distinctive ride and plenty of fuel.

Authorities think Spencer Johnson, 28, entered the lot of the West Jefferson water-treatment plant and stole a truck early yesterday.

Johnson is suspected of stealing a black Ford F-250 flatbed mounted with three 100-gallon diesel tanks for refueling construction equipment, said West Jefferson Police Chief Terry Ward.

A pair of soaked boots found near where the truck was parked was identified by state prison officials as prison-issue footwear, Ward said.

Video surveillance showed the truck driving through a rear gate and then through a separate gate at the front of the water plant at 12:50 a.m. Damage to the chain-link gates was estimated at $3,000.

Full story: Work-crew escapee stole truck at water-treatment plant, police say