Trucking News · Illinois · November 1, 2026

Truckers Asked to Check Dash Cams for Escaped Tennessee Inmate Near Marion, Illinois Truck Stop

By Big Rig Daily Staff

Investigators are asking truckers who stopped at a Marion, Illinois, travel center on the morning of Monday, Oct. 26, to check their dash cameras for any sign of an escaped Tennessee inmate. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) made the request on Oct. 30, according to WSIU and CDLLife. In the reports Big Rig Daily reviewed on the morning of Nov. 1, Jacob Allen Morley had not been captured.

What investigators are asking for

TBI wants to hear from anyone who was at the Pilot Travel Center at 2611 Vernell Road in Marion on Monday, Oct. 26, between 5 and 7 a.m., and who has dash camera footage from that time. The bureau said even a small detail could matter. In the words reported by WSIU and CDLLife, "Even if something seemed insignificant at the time, it could be a critical piece of information for investigators."

Who authorities are looking for

Morley was serving a life sentence for murder when he escaped from the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. WPSD reported the escape happened on the night of Sunday, Oct. 25, and some other reports date it to Oct. 26. TBI described him as dangerous: "Morley is considered dangerous and could be anywhere."

What is known about the search

Authorities say a man believed to be Morley appears on law enforcement video stealing a vehicle. WPSD reported that a vehicle was recovered in Marion on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 27, and that investigators had no evidence he stayed in that area. The combined reward for information that leads to his capture is $17,500, according to WPSD. Tips can go to 1-800-TBI-FIND or 911.

Because TBI calls him dangerous, the safest step for anyone who sees him is to call 911 and not approach him.

Why truckers are part of this request

A travel center in the early morning is busy with trucks fueling up, drivers getting coffee and rigs pulling out for the day. Many of those trucks carry dash cameras that record continuously, which is why investigators are asking truckers to look back at their footage. Big Rig Daily has more on staying safe at stops in its guides to truck parking tips and apps and the best truck stop chains.

What this story is not

This is an appeal from investigators for footage and tips. Nothing in the reports says the truckers who were at the travel center did anything wrong, and Big Rig Daily is not drawing conclusions about where Morley is or where he has been.

Quick facts

• Who asked: the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, on Oct. 30, 2026.
• Where: Pilot Travel Center, 2611 Vernell Road, Marion, Illinois.
• When: Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, between 5 and 7 a.m.
• Who: Jacob Allen Morley, who escaped a Tennessee prison while serving a life sentence for murder.
• Reward: $17,500, combined, per WPSD.
• Tips: 1-800-TBI-FIND or 911.

FAQ

What are investigators asking truckers to do?

TBI asks anyone who was at the Pilot Travel Center at 2611 Vernell Road in Marion, Illinois, on Monday, Oct. 26, between 5 and 7 a.m. to review dash camera footage and report anything that might help.

Has Jacob Allen Morley been caught?

No. As of the morning of Nov. 1, 2026, the U.S. Marshals Service still listed him as at large. Check with TBI for the latest.

How can someone share a tip about escaped inmate Jacob Allen Morley?

Call 1-800-TBI-FIND or 911. TBI says Morley is considered dangerous.

A question for readers

Were you near Marion that Monday morning, and is your dash cam footage still saved?

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