Inmate Captured Using Infrared Helicopter Technology After Jail Escape
Authorities located and apprehended a Michigan inmate less than three hours after his escape, utilizing infrared cameras on a police helicopter to find him hiding in a wooded area.
A Michigan inmate, Casie Jo Helsel, 44, was captured on Monday afternoon after escaping the Crawford County Jail. Authorities utilized a Michigan State Police helicopter equipped with infrared cameras to locate Helsel, who was hiding in a swampy, wooded area behind a country club.
Helsel escaped from the jail around 1:30 p.m. and was apprehended by 3:58 p.m. The aerial team guiding ground officers noted that Helsel had a history of evading police and typically attempted to hide until nightfall. Footage from the helicopter showed officers with a K-9 unit approaching the inmate's hiding spot as the aerial team provided directions.
Crawford County Sheriff Ryan Swope stated that Helsel escaped through a door that had been propped open, a door typically used for staff to move items in and out of the jail. Swope indicated that the investigation does not suggest the door was intentionally propped open to facilitate the escape and that the department will review its policies and procedures.
Helsel was being held on assault and battery charges. Court records indicate he has an extensive criminal history spanning over 25 years, including multiple prior prison and parole sentences for offenses such as malicious destruction of property, possession of a controlled substance, assault and battery, larceny, fleeing an officer, and obstruction of justice. He was released on probation in February and allegedly committed the assault and battery offense in September while still on probation.
Multiple departments, including the Michigan State Police, County Marine Patrol, and the Crawford County Sheriff's Office, collaborated in the search and apprehension. State police commended the inter-agency cooperation that led to the safe custody of the suspect.