BLACKMAN TWP., MI -- A man serving a life sentence for first-degree murder attempted to escape from prison Thursday evening, but was quickly stopped by prison personnel, Michigan Department of Corrections Spokesman Chris Gautz said.
John Effinger III, 51, attempted to escape from G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility, 3500 N. Elm Rd. at 6:37 p.m. Jan. 29 by scaling the fences in the "sally port area," where the vehicles exit and enter the facility, Gautz said.
"The security alarm was activated at that point and our staff responded immediately," Gautz said. "They found him clinging to the inside panel of the outer fence. Our staff responded with Tasers drawn and gave him verbal commands to climb down and he was taken into custody without incident."
No one was injured in the incident, Gautz said.
Effinger was convicted of first-degree murder in Kent County in 1992, according to Michigan Department of Corrections records.
He also has been convicted of a prison escape in 1987, while in prison for a breaking and entering conviction.
Gautz said Effinger never breached the prison's perimeter and there was no risk to the community during Thursday's attempted escape. Gautz said the investigation is continuing and it is unclear at this point if Effinger could face charges for the attempted escape.