Theft suspect who escaped from police is recaptured

An Indiana County man who slipped out of his handcuffs and ran from the Troop A state police barracks in White Township has been captured.

Jesse Daniel Witchen, 25, of Indiana, was being held Tuesday in the Indiana County Jail in lieu of $30,000 bond on charges of escape, resisting arrest and the theft charge on which he was arrested Sunday. He was captured Monday night at the home of an acquaintance.

Cpl. Kirt Allmendinger said Witchen, who had been arrested in connection with the theft of an all-terrain vehicle, somehow slipped out of his handcuffs while being processed at the barracks. The handcuffs were attached by a chain to the floor of the processing room.

Trooper David Okopal said Witchen ran out the side door of the barracks while the person processing him was distracted by paperwork. He said Witchen could not be located in a search of the area.

Troopers acting on a tip discovered Witchen hiding at 9 p.m. Monday in the attic at a friend's home at 143 11th St. in the village of Lucernemines, Center Township.

Allmendinger said no one has been charged with helping Witchen during his flight.

He faces a preliminary hearing at 3:15 p.m. Monday before District Justice Michael Steffee in Homer City.