



PAULDING, Ohio — Authorities are continuing the search for an Ohio rape suspect who overpowered a sheriff's deputy in a transport van, stole his gun and fled.



The Paulding County Sheriff's Office said Sunday, August 6th that FBI and U.S. Marshals are also assisting in the search for 32-year-old Branden Lee Powell. Powell overpowered a deputy on a trip Friday from a psychiatric hospital to a county jail.



Powell was in leg shackles and handcuffs secured to a "belly belt" when he jumped over the seat and put the deputy in a headlock, causing the van to crash. Powell grabbed the deputy's gun and ordered him to remove the restraints.



Powell was jailed last month on rape, attempted rape and sexual battery charges.



A $2,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his apprehension.