Dangerous Convicts Escape Indiana Prison

Police with bloodhounds searched near the maximum-security Indiana State Prison in Michigan City for three escaped convicts, two of them convicted killers, who escaped through underground tunnels and pipes.

Missing are Mark Booher (pictured L-R), Charles Smith and Lance Battreal. Booher, 46, and Smith, 48, are both from New Castle. Battreal, 45, is from Rockport.

The three, all of whom are considered dangerous, were discovered missing around 10 a.m. Sunday, according to Indiana Department of Correction spokesman Doug Garrison. He said it appears they had removed bars in underground tunnels and pipes to make their escape.

Officials were looking at the prisoners' visitor logs and contacting their relatives to try to determine where the three might be headed. U.S. Marshals have joined the search for the missing men.

Booher was serving a 65-year sentence for murder and 20 years for robbery. Smith was serving 95 years for murder, Garrison said.

Update: On Monday, Charles Smith was apprehended in Grand Beach, Michigan about eight miles from the Indiana State Prison.

See Also:
2 Convicted Murders Escape From Ind. Prison

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