UPDATE 3 p.m.

DOC spokesman Tom Shaer is now saying this was NOT a “confirmed sighting” of Carter….so he and ISP are at odds. Which is kind of what we’ve been hearing all along in this. Wait til you read the print version, and all the conflicting officials’ reports to civilians.

Back to thinking Carter’s on the way to Oklahoma.

UPDATE 2 p.m.

Searchers are on East 1000th Ave., south from Gordon Junction (the four-way) and first road back east. This road leads right into Palestine by the “back way.” Searchers are in the field; helicopters are hovering over Route 1 at the South Campus location.

2:10

The field behind County Clerk Patty Lycan’s house is the subject of the search.

2:25

ISP has been telling agencies working it that it’s a “confirmed sighting” of Carter, but it’s unclear who sighted him, a civilian, or law enforcement. We’re working it now.

CRAWFORD CO.—It may be another false alarm, but we’re hearing that there are certain segments of Crawford County being blocked off this afternoon (between 1-1:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 3) in the search for Jared Carter, Robinson Correctional Center escapee.

Jared Carter DOC profile mug

This action comes after ISP District 12 in Effingham released a statement to law enforcement authorities that they believe it’s a possibility Carter may be on his way to Oklahoma, possibly having stolen a truck in Fairfield yesterday or today.

At 11:30 this morning, eyewitnesses reported to us that there was a cornfield “surrounded” by authorities, the location of said cornfield being vague. Shortly thereafter, helicopters were overflying the area, this being in the vicinity of the four-way and south campus of Lincoln Trail College, which is not far from the prison.

There have been many “sightings” as well as false reports of activity surrounding the still-absent Carter, who escaped a work crew Friday morning, August 30.

Whether this will turn out to be just another false lead remains to be seen.

Keep checking back.