Oct. 13, 2003 – Jahni Hamilton, who escaped in August from the Youth Rehabilitation Center, was recaptured Saturday thanks, in part, to tips from the community.
Hamilton was "neatly dressed" and appeared to have been "well fed and taken care of" during his time on the run, Police spokesman Sgt. Thomas Hannah, said in a release sent to media late Saturday night.
Hamilton, aged 17 at the time, and another 16-year-old boy escaped from the detention center Aug. 22. The 16-year-old was recaptured a few days after the escape.
Hamilton, who was awaiting trial on robbery and assault charges resulting from an alleged attack on a elderly woman during a break-in and robbery at her home, has remained at large for nearly two months.
Several calls to police on Saturday eventually led to officers catching Hamilton – as he attempted to run from them – at the Ralph de Chabert housing community.
Hannah said Hamilton was captured "without incident."
Hamilton, who is now 18 years-old, if tried as an adult on the escape charges, could face 10 years in prison and a $2,000 fine if he is found guilty, the release said.
Vigilance on the part of police and citizens resulted in Hamilton's capture, Hannah said.
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