STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. - A prisoner who escaped custody in Stafford County was recaptured by deputies Thursday, the Sheriff's Office says.
The Stafford County Sheriff's Office sent out an alert around 6 p.m. saying the suspect, 22-year-old Robert Ouzts, had absconded from the Stafford Hospital Center. Ouzts was last seen in blue pants, with no shirt by the pond beside the hospital.
He was taken back into custody a short time later.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Authorities released a photo of Ouzts, taken when he was arrested around 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 1 and charged with recklessly driving a motorcycle.
According to the Sheriff's Office, Ouzts was seen wildly driving the motorcycle, which did not have a license plate, in the parking lot of Stafford Market Place, nearly striking several pedestrians. Deputies then attempted to catch up to the motorcycle as it passed storefronts towards Staffordboro Boulevard.
At the intersection of Stafford Market Place and Staffordboro Boulevard, deputies tried to box the motorcycle in and speak with Ouzts. Ouzts tried to find an escape route but when he realized he couldn't, he assaulted one of the deputies before fleeing on foot, slipping out of his Crocs as he ran.
Deputies followed Ouzts to the area of Little Caesars in Stafford Market Place. Ouzts then changed directions and ran towards a deputy who subsequently deployed his issued taser. The deputy who was assaulted was not injured and the suspect was checked by Fire and Rescue staff.
Ouzts was discovered to be wanted out of Prince William County. He was charged with assault and battery on law enforcement, obstruction of justice by force, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, operating a motorcycle without a motorcycle endorsement, operating a motorcycle without a helmet, as well as, driving without insurance, registration, and inspection.
He was also served on his outstanding warrants and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call 911.