Escaped Rape Convict Back In Custody
Police have re-arrested a rapist and attempted murder convict who escaped from Wayne County sheriff's deputies during a hospital appointment in Detroit.
Wayne County sheriff's officials 45-year-old Willie Wright fled Harper Hospital on Tuesday following a struggle with deputies who used pepper spray on the 6-foot-5, 270-pound suspect.
Missing since 12 p.m. the day before, Wright was re-arrested Wednesday at that same hospital. There was no immediate word on where he'd been hiding.
Wright is awaiting sentencing for raping his ex-girlfriend, then shooting her in the head.
Police had asked the community to stay on the lookout for the escapee, noting that he may be obvious to spot, clad in a dark green jail uniform and leg shackles. Police said he should be considered dangerous.
Undersheriff Daniel Pfannes told WWJ that with Wright having been on the lam so long, authorities suspected he was getting help from a friend or family member. Pfannes said anyone who assisted Wright could be prosecuted.
Sheriff's spokeswoman Paula Bridges says he was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, assault with intent to murder and using a firearm during a felony.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
