A runaway inmate and the woman accused of helping him have been captured after a weekend escape that sparked a manhunt in Ohio. Wayne Pletcher photo courtesy the Muskingum County Jail.

How Did He Do It? Clever Ohio Felon Escapes From Jail—Sparks Massive Manhunt!

A runaway inmate and the woman accused of helping him have been captured after a weekend escape that sparked a manhunt in Ohio. 🌐 #News #ZanesvilleOH #Ohio #Crime

ZANESVILLE, OH – Authorities in Ohio have brought an end to a terrifying weekend jail escape that triggered an intense search and caused fear to grip the hearts of local residents. The inmate, who fled custody on Saturday, and the woman accused of aiding him are now back behind bars. The dramatic escape and swift manhunt captivated the Zanesville community, but police say it’s over—without anyone getting hurt.

Jail Escape Sparks Weekend Manhunt

Wayne Pletcher, 37, managed to flee from the Muskingum County Jail around 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Pletcher was facing a laundry list of legal troubles, including felony charges for tampering with evidence and possessing drug-related instruments. He was also wanted in Knox County for skipping a court date related to a theft charge.

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Authorities say he took off on foot, leaving no sign of how he planned to stay hidden.

Investigators quickly suspected he had help. They zeroed in on 45-year-old Sara E. Moore, a woman now charged with obstructing justice and aiding in the jailbreak.

No Violence, But Questions Remain

The sheriff’s office confirmed no weapons were involved, and no one was hurt during the escape or subsequent capture.

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Still, the incident raised concerns about security at the jail and how Pletcher managed to slip away undetected.

Arrested Without a Fight

After nearly 48 hours on the run, Pletcher and Moore were found late Monday night. Authorities took them into custody without resistance. By Tuesday morning, officials publicly announced the arrests and extended their thanks to locals who provided tips during the search.

Both Pletcher and Moore are now locked up again at the Muskingum County Jail, where investigators are likely piecing together the full story of how the daring escape unfolded.

RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Ohio

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