Maricopa County jail inmate caught after brief escape
Oct 8, 2014, 9:55 AM | Updated: 10:56 am
PHOENIX — A Phoenix inmate who escaped custody Wednesday morning during a medical transport was captured by law enforcement.
John Todman, 39, had escaped from Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office near 21st Avenue and Monroe Street. He jumped out of the van at the hospital, discarding crutches along the way.
Police surrounded the area between Seventh Avenue, Interstate 17 and Van Buren and Jackson streets after John Todman, 39, escaped from the medical vehicle
MCSO Lt. Brandon Jones said Todman had been taken to the hospital after he complained of a leg injury.
“He apparently did not have that leg injury when he threw the crutches and ran,” Jones said.
After escaping, Todman allegedly stole a running car parked nearby. No one was in the vehicle.
He was spotted shortly after by Phoenix police and bailed out of the vehicle. Police gave chase, but lost him.
Police said Todman was convicted of burglary and armed robbery. He has also been convicted on prior charges.
KTAR’s Mark Remillard contributed to this report.
