Cops nab fugitive after 17 days on the run
GEORGE TOWN: A detainee who managed to get a key and unlock his handcuffs and fled from the Penang Court Complex on Sept 6 was caught on Saturday.
The 33-year-old suspect was apprehended in Sungai Nibong at about 6pm.
He has since been remanded for three days until Tuesday to facilitate investigations.
The suspect was escorted to the court at about 11am, clad in a blue Tshirt and the remand order was issued by deputy registrar Rehah Ismail. Counsel R. Puran represented him.
At 5.20pm on Sept 6, the suspect, who was being led to a police vehicle following his hearing at the court, slipped from his handcuffs, evaded his escorts and escaped from the complex via a sewage drain.
Police immediately launched a manhunt. They discovered a duplicate of his handcuff keys on the court grounds.
Northeast district police chief assistant commissioner Anuar Omar said the suspect was recaptured based on information provided and police investigations.
The suspect is being investigated under Section 223 of the Penal Code (escape from confinement negligently suffered by a public servant and facilitating or enabling any terrorist act) and Section 224 (resistance or obstruction by a person to his lawful apprehending).