Dumb Crime: Inmate Who Fled 6 Days Before Release Recaptured

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Police say an inmate who served 272 days then escaped from a north Portland prison with less than a week to go has been recaptured.

Sgt. Pete Simpson says police responding to a tip from a corrections officer who was transporting someone else found 30-year-old Matthew Medlin late Wednesday night at a Jack in the Box in north Portland.

While he was initially described as “noncompliant with commands to get on the ground,” police say Medlin surrendered after numerous officers showed up, including a K-9 unit.

Simpson said Medlin was being treated for injuries suffered during his escape before being booked into jail. He had been serving time at the Columbia River Correctional Institute for burglary, sex abuse and assault when he took off early Wednesday, escaping over a fence.

Medlin served 272 days, and had six left to serve. His release date was May 6.