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U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation

In Reply, Please Refer to Release No.

219 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604

June 9, 2001 Search for Escaped Prisoner Continues Kathleen L. McChesney, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is asking for the public's help in locating REGINALD MICHAEL POTTS, age 24, whose last known address is 8313 South Essex in Chicago. POTTS was arrested by members of the Chicago FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF), late last night, without incident. POTTS was wanted on various state charges by the Chicago and Highland Park, Illinois Police Departments. After his arrest, POTTS was transported to the Chicago FBI Office, located in the Dirksen Federal Building, 219 South Dearborn Street in Chicago. POTTS was taken to the FBI office for routine processing and questioning. While in the prisoner processing area, POTTS was briefly left unattended, handcuffed to a wall-mounted restraint bracket. When VCTF members returned, they discovered that POTTS had managed to slip out of his handcuffs and leave the area. A systematic search of all accessible areas within the Dirksen Building was conducted by FBI Agents, assisted by canine units from the Chicago Police Department and Cook County Sheriff's Office. It was eventually determined that POTTS had fled through a fire escape stairwell and handicap building entrance. POTTS is described as a black/male, 24 years of age, 5'10" tall, 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has an extensive criminal record, including prior arrests for crimes of violence. A reward of up to $3,000 has been offered for information leading to his arrest. Anyone knowing the current whereabouts of POTTS is asked to contact the Chicago FBI at (312) 431-1333. An internal investigation is also being conducted to determine the exact circumstances surrounding POTTS' escape. Photographs of POTTS are available from the Chicago FBI.

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