Wossen Assaye set off a wild manhunt in the D.C. region Tuesday after he overpowered a guard and escaped from Inova Fairfax Hospital. After two carjackings, the escaped inmate was later captured in the day in Washington D.C.
But who is Assaye?
The 42-year-old, who was born in Ethiopia, is believed to be a suspect known as the "Bicycle Bandit." He was charged for a March 20th robbery of the Apple Federal Credit Union in Alexandria, Va.
According to court documents, authorities also believe Assaye is responsible for 12 total bank robberies that have occurred in the northern Virginia area since October of 2013.
On March 27, Assaye was transported from the Alexandria Detention Center to Inova Fairfax Hospital for medical treatment after attempting suicide.
U.S. Marshal Bobby Mathieson said he tied a bedsheet around his neck and dove off a tier at the detention center. Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne told FOX 5 that Assaye was hanging about eight feet off the ground before two deputies and another inmate helped assist in saving his life.
Assaye was then taken to the hospital where he stayed until his escape.
According to a records check by the FBI, Assaye has a criminal history that shows he was convicted for multiple burglary and robbery offenses from 1998 and 1999 in Alexandria. He served time in prison from 2000 to 2013 and was on probation in Arlington County afterwards.
Court documents say Assaye's probation officer told FBI agents that Assaye has a girlfriend and he spent significant time with her.
Ayalew Assaye, the suspect's father, is stunned by what unfolded Tuesday morning.
"I was amazed and my heart was broken," he said.
His father said he knows a different person.
"He treats people gently and he never argues with people," said Ayalew. "He just minds his own business and tries to help people."
He described the youngest of his three sons as a quiet and very intelligent man who had a lot of friends.
"Jack of all trades," said Wosson's father. "He's very smart -- working with his hands. He understands a lot of things including computers."
His father vehemently denies the bank robberies Wosson is being accused of and doesn't believe he could be involved in any crime.
"That is a fiction," he said. "Very bad fiction. My son is very intelligent. He doesn't break banks."
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