Staff report

GALLIPOLIS - Authorities acted swiftly Thursday to apprehend a Gallia County Jail inmate who allegedly escaped custody while awaiting his return to the jail from Gallipolis Municipal Court.

Gallipolis City Patrolman Greg Frazier took Donald R. Crago, 43, Gallipolis, back into custody in a wooded area behind Washington Elementary School shortly after Crago allegedly fled the court.

Crago had been in court to waive extradition to Illinois, authorities said. He had been arrested by the Gallia County Sheriff's Department on Feb. 14 on a warrant in connection with the unspecified Illinois charge.

City police said they were informed around 10:56 a.m. that a white male in orange clothes and a blue coat with the words “County Jail” on the back was seen in the area of Washington Elementary School at about the same time probation officers from the municipal court notified police of Crago's alleged escape.

Officials at Washington Elementary and Gallia Academy High School were notified and took action to protect students in their care, officers said.

Frazier, who is the school resource officer for the Gallipolis City Schools, returned Crago to the jail after arresting him behind Washington. Frazier was assisted by city officers, court officers, sheriff's deputies and city schools officials.

Officers said that since a rash of similar incidents have occurred in the past few months, the municipal court has taken steps to initiate a video arraignment system, allowing prisoners to be arraigned while still in the confines of the jail.

While the equipment for the system has arrived, technicians have yet to install the system or make it ready for use, officers said.

“Had this system been available, Mr. Crafo would not have been in a position to escape,” Police Chief Clint Patterson said.