Peoria County Jail escapee arrested

UPDATE: 6:00 A.M. - 34-year-old escapee Corey Bragg has been arrested, said Peoria County Sherriff Chris Watkins.

“At approximately 5:00 a.m. today, Cory Bragg was arrested after fleeing police in a stolen truck that he stole from Plank Rd. in Bellevue. Peoria County Detectives observed Bragg in the stolen truck at approximately 4:40 a.m. in the Glasford area. Detectives and Deputies attempted to stop Bragg in the stolen vehicle but Bragg fled at a high rate of speed. Deputies pursued Bragg into Pekin where police stopped the vehicle and Bragg was placed into custody. Sheriff Watkins and staff are currently reviewing what procedures and protocols need to be changed with the inmates that are assigned to our work crew at the jail.”

PEORIA COUNTY (25News Now) - An inmate with a long criminal history escaped from the Peoria County Jail late Tuesday night.

In a news release, Sheriff Chris Watkins said police are looking for Corey Bragg, 34, who was part of the work crew taking out the garbage when he ran form the officer about 11 p.m.

Watkins said a reverse 911 call has been placed to residents in the immediate area of the jail, notifying them of the situation.

The sheriff said police are using K-9s, drones and numerous officers to aid in the search.

Peoria County court and jail records indicate Bragg has an extensive criminal history, particularly this year, including fleeing and trying to elude police. The list of charges against him also include burglary, theft, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, obstructing justice and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Until late Tuesday night, he had been held at the jail since July 25, according to county records.

Bragg is a 6-foot-tall white male, weighing 200 pounds. Anyone who has seen or encountered Bragg is asked to call 911. Anyone with information about where Bragg might be is asked to contact Lt. Johnston at 309-634-5111, leave a tip on the sheriff’s office app, or call CrimeStoppers.

This story will be updated.