A man escaped from police custody in Ålesund this week, according to major media reports. The escape occurred when he ran through an open garage door at the police station. A surveillance camera in the area captured the chase, with Sunnmørsposten first publishing the video of the escape.
On the film, the man in a red jogging suit is seen running at full speed on the lower side of the police station, followed by two police officers at a slower pace. The police officers are seen in full uniform and military boots. According to reports, the police could not keep up with the man, despite him running in open crocs, which are not considered the best footwear for speed.
Acting police station chief Arne Lid Skodje explained on Tuesday how it happened, saying, 'It's a very good question. ' The owner added, 'I looked out, and then a man in a full red jogging suit came running. ' After nine hours of searching, the chase was over when the 19-year-old crawled out from his hiding place: a loft in Steinvågvegen, just a couple of hundred meters from the police station.
During the search, police were looking for the man in Ålesund city center and on Aspøya, as he was suspected of a number of offenses, including serious violence and threats, and was said to be wearing red pants and a red sweater, with police advising people not to approach him. How exactly the escapee managed to hide for nine hours before being found remains unclear. This was one of the most extensive police operations in Ålesund city center in a long time.
NRK knows the identity of the man, but he does not wish to be named. The full identity of the escapee and his criminal background has not been disclosed. The man who escaped from the police in Ålesund was presented for remand in custody on Tuesday, according to police sources.
The man is suspected of several offenses, including violence and threats, according to reports. On Tuesday, the escapee was remanded in custody for four weeks, suspected of violence, theft, and threats, according to major media reports. The suspect did not consent to custody, but the court decided that the man should be remanded in custody for four weeks, with two weeks under a ban on letters and visits due to the risk of evidence tampering, according to reports.
What are the detailed charges against the man beyond violence, theft, and threats is not specified. Police prosecutor Julie Gaustad says to NRK that the man's escape from the police is not a topic during the custody meeting. She says there is no criminal provision for escaping from custody.
Afterwards, the police have announced a review and changes to routines because the prisoner was being aired in the garage with an open door. What specific changes to police routines will be implemented after the escape has not been determined.