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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Inmate who fled Hoopfest jailed

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 East 13th Avenue found Todd trying to steal his 2004 Chevy Cavalier, according to court records. Todd fled on a BMX bike but was arrested in the 300 block of South Lacey Street about 20 minutes later after someone reported a man “saying he had escaped from Geiger and was running from 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 a 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 attempted theft of a motor vehicle. He appeared in Spokane County Superior Court on Wednesday, where his bond was set at $7,500.