Escaped Robbery Suspect Who Conned Cops Recaptured

Sure, officer, that's me!

Cops recaptured a robbery suspect who escaped from a Staten Island courthouse by posing as another prisoner, police say.

Authorities say 35-year-old Freddie Thompson took advantage of the bustle at the Richmond County courthouse on Wednesday by pretending to be a different man who was being arraigned on a minor drug charge.

The court set him free before realizing the switcheroo.

Police said Saturday that they had Thompson back in custody. The wily alleged crook was supposed to be arraigned on five robbery charges before he busted out this week.

Thompson now faces new charges of escape, identity theft and criminal impersonation.

On Friday,Police Commissioner Ray Kelly acknowledged the department was to blame

for the mishap.

"It appears the police officer didn't adequately check the identification of the prisoner," Kelly said.

The officer involved in the incident has been placed on modified duty.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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