Fugitive caught in Etten-Leur five weeks after Rotterdam escape

Escaped criminal Elias A. was arrested by a SWAT team in Etten-Leur on Friday, more than five weeks after he escaped police custody in Rotterdam, Weekblad De Bode reports.

The 24-year-old fugitive escaped police custody while visiting a hospital in Rotterdam on January 18th, despite still being handcuffed. He is a suspect in two shootings, one kidnapping and a violent robbery.

The police considered him armed and dangerous and launched a massive manhunt for A. after his escape, including a police helicopter and asking the public for help.

Based on a number of tips and the police investigation, investigators tracked A. down to his hiding place in Etten-Leur.