Manhunt ends after suspected rapist kills himself with police officer's gun

A manhunt for a suspected rapist who escaped during a prison transfer has ended after he killed himself.

Police in Ohio had been hunting for 32-year-old Branden Powell from Antwerp, after he overpowered a prison officer on Friday (4 August), snatched his gun and escaped.

Officials had warned people to keep away from Powell, describing him as "armed and dangerous", the gun he had stolen was a 40-calibre pistol with 30 rounds of ammunition.

On Monday evening (7 August), police managed to track him down to the basement of his parent's home.

They attempted to bring him out but after a three and a half hour standoff, he took his own life with the gun he had stolen from the officer.

County Sheriff's Jason Landers said: "While this is not the outcome law enforcement had hoped for, law enforcement hopes the community can rest knowing this armed and dangerous individual is no longer a danger to the community."

Powell had sparked a major manhunt which involved local police as well as officials from the FBI and the US Marshal Services.

A reward of $2,000 had been offered for anyone who had information about his whereabouts.

He had been indicted last month on allegations of first-degree rape, attempted rape and four sexual assault charges.

Powell had already attempted to harm himself just days earlier. Using a razor, he cut his own throat and had to be taken to Northwest Ohio Psychiatric Hospital in Toledo for treatment.

It was while he was being taken back to jail from the hospital that his escape occurred.

The van that was used to transfer Powell didn't have a cage, which made it easier for him to overpower the officer who was sat with him.