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Chicago Inmates Escape ... From 17 Floors Up

Bank robbers hunted after daring escape

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 19, 2012 3:44 AM CST | Updated Dec 19, 2012 5:03 AM CST

(Newser) – Cops in Chicago are hunting two bank robbers who pulled off a daring escape from one of the world's only high-rise prisons yesterday morning. Cellmates Joseph "Jose" Banks and Kenneth Conley are believed to have squeezed through a narrow window and scaled down 17 stories to the ground, apparently using a rope made out bedsheets, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Officials have launched a massive manhunt.

After the pair were unaccounted for at the 5am headcount at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in downtown Chicago yesterday, guards discovered the escape and found that their beds contained clothing arranged to look like bodies. Both men were facing lengthy sentences and authorities warn that they should be considered armed and dangerous. The only other escape from the 27-floor prison happened in 1985, when two inmates rappelled down from the sixth floor.

This undated photo provided by the FBI shows Kenneth Conley, one of two inmates who escaped from the Metropolitan  Correctional Center yesterday.
This undated photo provided by the FBI shows Kenneth Conley, one of two inmates who escaped from the Metropolitan Correctional Center yesterday.   ((AP Photo/FBI,HONS)
A rope dangles from a window on the back side of the Metropolitan Correctional Center.
A rope dangles from a window on the back side of the Metropolitan Correctional Center.   (M. Spencer Green)
Police tape surrounds the Metropolitan Correctional Center  in Chicago.
Police tape surrounds the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago.   (M. Spencer Green)
This undated photo provided by the FBI shows Jose Banks, one of two inmates who escaped from the Metropolitan  Correctional Center yesterday.
This undated photo provided by the FBI shows Jose Banks, one of two inmates who escaped from the Metropolitan Correctional Center yesterday.   ((AP Photo/FBI,HONS)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 23 comments
Minkey
Dec 21, 2012 7:40 AM CST
Damn!  They caught Jose last night.  I guess he was tired out from all the rappelling because I would have been far away from Chi-town by 11:30 last night.
HANKHILL
Dec 19, 2012 2:34 PM CST
good for you mr.banks and mr conley best of luck with this hope you stay free!
Tiffany1234
Dec 19, 2012 8:37 AM CST
Wow!! That's crazy!!
 

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