Second escapee apprehended in Montana

COTTONWOOD-After nearly two weeks on the run, a second escaped inmate from North Idaho Correctional Institution (NICI), 31-year-old Edward Williams (#80764) is back in custody.

He was arrested at 9:30 p.m. Sunday outside a bar in Dillon, MT by the Beaverhead County Sheriff's Office.

Williams and 42-year-old offender Wayne Metzger (#80827) both escaped from North Idaho Correctional Institution April 24, after other inmates at the prison reported seeing them go over the fence. Metzger was located approximately five miles from the prison grounds, on April 26.

Warden Lynn Guyer, NICI, said he and his staff are appreciative of the assistance they received from other agencies to locate Williams. "We are extremely pleased this offender is back in custody," said Guyer. "Anytime you're dealing with an escaped inmate, it's vital we have these kinds of partnerships to ensure public safety."

The Idaho State Police, Idaho County Sheriff's Office, Cottonwood City Police, and local tribal police all assisted with the initial search effort for both offenders. Orofino's Back Country Medics assisted with an initial helicopter search.

Williams was serving time for burglary, aggravated battery, and grand theft convictions out of Fremont County. Metzger was serving time for burglary and grand theft out of Cassia County.

Both offenders were in the retained jurisdiction program at NICI. It is a 120-180 day incarceration period in which judges retain jurisdiction over offenders while they are incarcerated. Offenders are treated, evaluated and then returned to the judge for a sentencing decision.