HUNTINGTON, W.Va. –– The Huntington Police Department ended a three day search for Paul Ira Hopkins, 37, of Smithers, following his escape from a prisoner transport vehicle on the West Virginia Turnpike on Wednesday.
An individual spotted Hopkins at a gas station in the area and called police, who took Hopkins into custody without incident.
Police had been searching for Hopkins after a daring escape Wednesday afternoon where he found a way to remove his hand from a handcuff, open the prison transport van door, and make a bid for freedom when the vehicle had slowed down at the North Beckley Toll Plaza.
Police believe Hopkins later stole a Toyota Scion while he was on the run from police.
Hopkins had been sentenced to six months of confinement in the Southern Regional Jail, which is where the prison van was heading Wednesday, followed by a one-year sentence to the Fayette County Community Corrections Program following convictions for misdemeanor crimes of petit larceny and fleeing.
According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Hopkins will return to the Southern Regional Jail to begin serving his original sentences, but will face additional charges in Raleigh County in conjunction with his escape from custody and alleged theft of a car.