Escaped inmate returned to custody after 18-day hiatus

Jerry Papatsie, 32, appeared at the Iqaluit courthouse on April 8, almost three weeks after he bolted from the same building while in police custody.

Papatsie fled after a show cause hearing on March 17 while an RCMP vehicle waited to take him to the Baffin Correctional Centre. He was facing charges of sexual assault and sexual interference.

RCMP have not said where Papatsie hid while on the run 18 for days. A police news release credits the public with providing “valuable tips” that lead to his arrest on April 4.

Papatsie faces one charge of escaping lawful custody.

Before leaving the courtroom on April 8, Papatsie offered an enthusiastic smile and a thumbs-up to friends and family members in the gallery.

His next court date is April 10.