Inmate escaped central PA jail by using a rope made of jail attire, climbing through vents
A man awaiting trial on felony drug charges escaped Sunday from a central Pennsylvania jail, Hollidaysburg police wrote in a statement.
Isaiah R. Tilghman, 33, escaped between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday from the Blair County Prison. At least one court document identified him as being from State College.
Tilghman used a rope made of jail attire to climb through a ventilation shaft and then escaped through an unsecured exterior window, police wrote in an affidavit of probable cause. Investigators are unsure which direction Tilghman fled.
Those who believe they may have seen Tilghman or have information about his escape were encouraged to either call 911 or Hollidaysburg police at 814-695-3711.
He is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and about 160 pounds. He recently had black hair and a beard, according to a photo released by the police department. No defense lawyer was listed.
It’s unclear if the jail was fully staffed when Tilghman escaped. Blair County Administrator Nicole Hemminger declined comment Monday, citing an ongoing investigation.
The jail was locked down as of Monday afternoon. No inmate visits are allowed.
This story was originally published December 4, 2023 at 1:12 PM.