By Judy T. Mire

A Maurice man incarcerated in Kaplan managed to be a free man for several hours last week.

Chief of Police Steve Perry said officers were escorting prisoners to take showers when Fred Boutin shoved an officer aside and took off running.

Boutin, 27, 5235 Beau Road, Maurice, La. escaped at approximately 10 a.m. last Tuesday and managed to elude the search party for several hours.

Police search dogs were called in to assist in the search, but were unable to locate the escapee.

An anonymous phone tip to the Kaplan Police led the officers to South Cushing and Mill Street where Boutin was apprehended at approximately 2:30 p.m.

The inmate was originally incarcerated for charges of aggravated flight from an officer, stop sign violation, public intimidation, driving under suspension and a hold for the Louisiana State Probation and Parole.

An additional charge of simple escape will be added to the other charges.