Crime, Law and Justice

Escaped jail inmate back in custody in central MN

Updated: 7:54 p.m.

Authorities in central Minnesota said Tuesday afternoon that an escaped jail inmate is back in custody.

The Wadena County Sheriff's Office says 34-year-old Ryan Paul Petro escaped while he was being transported to a court appearance Monday afternoon.

He'd been in jail for about a month on suspicion of felony burglary and a variety of misdemeanors. Petro ran away while wearing handcuffs and an orange jail uniform.

Officers from eight agencies used drones, K-9s and a state patrol helicopter in the search.

The sheriff's office says Petro was apprehended in the city of Wadena, Minn., but did not provide additional details.