‘Extremely dangerous’ inmate overpowers two officers during prison break while handcuffed

US News

By Katherine Donlevy

A Colorado inmate “overpowered” two officers, fled a hospital and stole a neighbor’s minivan in a wild prison escape Friday — all while being handcuffed.

Ronald Caillier, 38, initiated the bold breakout from inside the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center emergency room just before midnight, the Bent County Sheriff’s Office said.

The shackled Caillier ran from the hospital after “overpowering a deputy and security officer” and slipping into the night.

While running through the La Junta neighborhood, the inmate spotted and carjacked a heavily damaged a white 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan — which happened to have been left unlocked with the keys inside and a 9 mm handgun beneath the driver’s seat.

Now Caillier — who was being held on burglary and assault charges — is in the wind, police said.

Officials warned that he should be considered “armed and very dangerous.”

The deputy and security guard involved in the escape were treated for injuries and have since been released. 

When he was last seen, Caillier was wearing black and white striped pants and an orange t-shirt.

He was also handcuffed with his hands in front of his body.

The minivan he allegedly stole has damage to the passenger side door and a cracked passenger side rear-view window, police said.