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Police find car used in Monroe prison escape; search continues for prisoner

The Department of Corrections is searching for Patrick Lester Clay, who allegedly stole a staff member's car keys and drove off the campus.

MONROE, Wash. — The car that an incarcerated person used in an escape from the Monroe Correctional Complex last week has been found in Seattle.

The Monroe Police Department found a white GMC Sierra truck in the Central District neighborhood between Sunday night and Monday morning. It has been impounded, and Monroe police detectives will process it for evidence.

The Department of Corrections and Monroe police are searching for Patrick Lester Clay, 59. Clay was part of the minimum security unit.

The department said Friday that Clay broke into a staff office during maintenance cleaning and stole the keys to a staff member’s car. Clay drove the car off the grounds.

Clay was last seen wearing a khaki jacket, pants and beanie with white tennis shoes and a yellow Department of Corrections vest. The department said there was a blue-grey zip-up sweatshirt and black ballcap in the stolen truck that Clay could be wearing.

Clay was expected to be released Dec. 24, 2025. He was convicted of burglary, malicious mischief, harassment and theft in King County, according to the department.

If anyone sees Clay or the vehicle, they should call 911 or the Monroe Correctional Complex at (360) 794-2720. Clay should not be approached.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 

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