Escapee is caught with cuffs on in East Toledo

5/22/2006

An accused shoplifter made a Houdini-like escape Saturday night in Perrysburg Township only to have the magic run dry yesterday in East Toledo, where he was arrested and charged with three felonies.

Edward Wahl, 20, of 3904 Hazelhurst was caught Saturday night at Kohl's, 10323 Fremont Pike, by security for suspicion of shoplifting. Perrysburg Township police arrested him and charged him with breaking and entering, theft, and escape.

He also had a felony burglary warrant out of Lucas County, police said.

On his way to jail, he managed to slip one hand out of the cuffs and jumped out of the police cruiser. He fled about 7 p.m. from in front of the township police station, 26711 Lime City Rd.

He ran southwest through the fields along U.S. 20, west of Lime City Road. Because of the outstanding warrant, a manhunt ensued, including a search by helicopter, said Sgt. Mark Hetrick of Perrysburg Township police. The suspect went to East Toledo, where he was caught with the cuffs hanging from one wrist at 12:45 p.m. yesterday near North Ravine and Elgin Ave.