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

Jail Escapee Captured In Stolen Car Felon Found With Pistol, Bomb-Making Material

A 25-year-old white supremacist who escaped from jail in Bonner County last month was nabbed in Western Washington early Saturday.

Matthew M. Bracken of Sandpoint had a loaded .22-caliber pistol and bomb-making material in the stolen car he was driving, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The State Patrol arrested Bracken at the Toutle Hill Rest Area north of Castle Rock on Interstate 5 about 6:15 a.m.

It is not clear why the officer initially approached Bracken. He was driving a stolen 1988 Subaru, the WSP said.

He was taken to the Cowlitz County Jail, where he is being held on charges of car theft, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of explosives. The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the State Patrol are investigating.

Bracken scaled a 14-foot-high, razor wire-topped fence at the Bonner County Jail on Feb. 16, taking advantage of light staffing on Presidents Day. Despite his distinctive looks - more than 6 feet tall, a shaved head and swastika tatoos around his neck, Bracken disappeared without a trace.

He had been arrested Christmas Day on charges of burglary and grand theft in connection with alleged incidents in the city of Pend Oreille.

He also was wanted in Utah for an alleged probation violation.

He had served jail time in Shoshone County.

Authorities found homemade weapons in his cell and labeled him as someone likely to escape.

, DataTimes