AN OFF-duty prison officer picked up one inmate on the side of the road while another remained on the run after escaping from jail near Glen Innes yesterday.
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Joshua George Laszuk and Marcus Kenneth Buchanan broke out of their secure unit in the minimum-security Glen Innes Correctional Centre and were discovered missing just after dawn yesterday morning.
Buchanan, who was serving a one year sentence for an assault, fled the scene and remained on the run from police last night.
Yesterday, the search ramped up for the 32-year-old and New England Inspector Garry Huard told The Leader Buchanan could have stolen a getaway car.
“Police believe that Buchanan will be heading from Glen Innes to the Coffs Harbour or South Kempsey areas,” he said, confirming police were investigating suspected links with a car stolen shortly after the escape.
“A white Ford Laser with NSW plates SVN- 993 was stolen from the Glen Innes township at 7.30am on Wednesday.”
The inmates were discovered missing at a muster at about 6.30am yesterday, but police said the pair had been locked into their secure units at 5.30pm on Tuesday.
“Buchanan has a lengthy criminal history and should be considered dangerous, and for that reason he should not be approached,” Inspector Huard said.
“Police would urge any members of the public that sights that vehicle or Buchanan, not to approach him but rather contact police or Crime Stoppers immediately.”
Laszuk’s freedom was short lived after he was spotted on the Gwydir Highway yesterday morning by quick-thinking veteran correctional officer, Doug Reynolds.
Mr Reynolds said he was en-route to the prison farm to start his shift when he spotted the man on the side of the road at about 6.10am.
“I stopped when I came across a man soaking wet from rain, walking on the roadway towards town. I thought his car might have broken down. When I got closer I noticed he was wearing prison greens,” he said, adding he recognised Laszuk and ordered him to get into his car.
“I drove back into Glen Innes and handed the 33-year-old man over to the sergeant at the police station before continuing to work.”
He’s been praised for his bravery after the “Good Samaritan” arrest and returned to work yesterday morning.
Yesterday, Laszuck was charged by police and transported to Tenterfield Local Court, where he pleaded guilty to one fresh count of escaping lawful custody.
He had six months left on his sentence before he was eligible for parole, but Magistrate Karen Stafford ordered him to spend an extra nine months behind bars for the failed escape.
