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Inmate Escapes Vandalia Correctional Center, Found Nearby

The Illinois Department of Corrections is still investigating how an inmate escaped from the Vandalia Correctional Center last week. Investigators talked with more than 100 people to determine how Marcus Battice broke out of the minimum-security facility.

Corrections spokesman Tom Shaer says that'll continue for a while; anyone in contact with Battice in the weeks leading up to his escape must be interviewed. The department has concluded it does NOT need to change what it does to prevent escapes.

"Because there's nothing to indicate that policies or procedures led to this escape. That's why we hadn't had an escape at Vandalia in 17 years." --- Corrections spokesperson Tom Shaer

Shaer says more razor wire has been added across the prison - including along the fence and on top of buildings. There's also increased observation and security of inmates as they go from the commissary to their cells.

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.