An inmate who escaped from a Hoopfest work crew is back in jail after police say he tried to steal a car.

Gary J. Todd, 29, was arrested Monday after a homeowner in the 3700 block of E. 13th Ave. found Todd trying to steal his 2004 Chevy Cavalier, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Todd fled on a black BMX bike but was arrested in the 300 block of South Lacey about 20 minutes later after someone reported a man "saying he had escaped from Geiger and was running form the police."

Police had been looking for Todd since June 28, when he never returned from a bathroom break while working with an inmate crew at Hoopfest.

A guard found his discarded jumpsuit and goggles inside the portable toilet. Geiger officials believe the escape was planned because Todd apparently had a change of clothes waiting for him.

Todd was to be released Oct. 11 on a drunken driving charge but faces a new felony charge of attempt theft of a motor vehicle. He appeared in Superior Court on that charge Wednesday, where his bond was set at $7,500.

---

---