Headline: Jacob Morley’s Stolen Truck Found in Illinois as Search Continues
## Byline: Newsroom
Authorities found a truck allegedly stolen by escaped Tennessee inmate Jacob Allen Morley in Marion, Illinois, but his whereabouts remained unknown, according to ABC7.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced the vehicle’s recovery on Tuesday as the search continued across state lines.
The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) said Morley escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, over the weekend. He was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, according to ABC7.
The discovery of the truck provided investigators with a new lead, but did not establish where Morley had gone.
### Escape and vehicle investigation
The Northwest Correctional Complex is located in Tiptonville, in West Tennessee. ABC7 reported that TDOC staff discovered Morley was missing late on October 25 and conducted an emergency count and search of the facility.
The department described the initial response in a statement quoted by ABC7: “At approximately 11:30 p.m. on October 25, 2026, staff at NWCX confirmed Morley was unaccounted for and immediately conducted an emergency count and search of the facility.”
Security camera footage subsequently confirmed that Morley breached the prison perimeter and left wearing his TDOC uniform, according to the same report. The footage helped establish how he left the facility, while the investigation into the stolen truck provided another line of inquiry.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) said footage showed Morley taking a white 2008 Ford F-350 at approximately 1 a.m. Monday from the 400 block of Keystone Drive, ABC7 reported.
The truck carried Tennessee registration 138BBQV and had an air compressor in its bed. Lindamood Planting Company markings appeared on its side.
Those identifying details connected the vehicle description to the investigation and gave authorities specific information to use when assessing possible sightings. The subsequent recovery in Illinois extended the search beyond the area where the escape occurred, but the vehicle’s location alone did not establish Morley’s route after it was taken.
### Reports from Tennessee and Illinois
Before the truck was recovered, the Hornbeak Fire Department in West Tennessee reported that the vehicle passed its location at 1:18 a.m. Monday, according to ABC7.
The department said it had met with state agencies to review footage from its security cameras. It also reported that the same truck had been spotted in Troy, Tennessee.
The reports provided investigators with possible points along the vehicle’s movements. However, a reported vehicle sighting is not the same as a confirmed sighting of its driver, and neither establishes Morley’s current location.
In Illinois, Marion police addressed whether the escapee might still be close to the abandoned truck. WPSD reported that police had no evidence Morley remained in the vicinity of the vehicle.
The finding limited what could be concluded from the recovery itself without establishing where the search should next be focused.
Newsweek published a map of reported sightings as the search continued. The reports added geographic context to the investigation, but any individual sighting requires confirmation from law enforcement before it can be treated as an established location.
### Public safety and the search
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office also issued guidance for members of the public. Sheriff Bryan Avery said: “Anyone who encounters or believes they have spotted Morley should not approach, confront, or attempt to apprehend him.
Instead, immediately dial 911 and provide any relevant information to law enforcement.”
TDOC said it was working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to apprehend Morley. ABC7 also reported that the Tennessee Highway Patrol was assisting with aviation assets and state troopers.
The Sun covered the continuing search and Morley’s status as a wanted fugitive. TDOC’s public appeal asked people to report sightings or other relevant information to authorities rather than attempt to intervene themselves.
Key Takeaways
- Authorities located the truck in Marion, Illinois, according to ABC7 and WCTI.
- Marion police reported no evidence that Morley remained near the abandoned vehicle, according to WPSD.
- The Tennessee Department of Correction urged the public to report information to law enforcement rather than approach the fugitive.
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What to Watch Next
The next material development would be an official confirmation of Morley’s location, an arrest or further findings about the recovered truck. Such an update would clarify whether investigators have established his movements beyond the vehicle’s recovery. ChatGPT is AI and can make mistakes. ChatGPT New chat Images Plugins See plans and pricing Help Deep research Settings Get responses tailored to you Log in to get answers based on saved chats, plus create images and upload files.