An inmate is on the loose in Iowa’s capitol city. The prisoner was being transported last night (Wednesday) by van from a lockup in Bethany, Missouri, to the Polk County Jail in Des Moines. As the van reached the city’s south side about 10:30, the inmate identified as Chad Hale apparently jumped out the back of the van and scurried away. Other motorists saw it happen but the van drove on.
Reports say Hale was spotted by residents, still wearing shackles, going door-to-door and asking to borrow a set of bolt cutters. The 33-year-old was behind bars on charges of making and selling meth and child endangerment. He’s white, five-foot-ten, 210 pounds — and was last seen in an orange prison jumpsuit.