Jamie Cooper: Missing prisoner who faked medical emergency, ‘overpowered’ van guards & escaped onto motorway is captured
A MISSING prisoner who faked a medical emergency before escaping a high-security van has been captured.
Jamie Cooper, 33, fled from a GEOAmey vehicle travelling to Lancaster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
The force scrambled to the scene after reports of the escape on the M55 near junction two for Catforth, near Preston, at about 8.54am.
Cooper was found by police in a car in Blackburn, Lancashire on Saturday afternoon, said police.
The fugitive was arrested on suspicion of escaping from lawful custody.
Lancashire Police said Cooper, who was facing charges for assaulting a police officer and criminal damage, remains in police custody.
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His escape sparked a large search by cops, who issued CCTV footage of him running away from the van and walking near the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.
Cooper was also reported to have been seen in Blackpool and Bolton in Greater Manchester before his arrest.
Lancashire Police posted on Facebook saying: "Over the last few days we had asked for your help to find wanted Jamie Cooper who absconded from a prison van on the M55 near Preston.
"At 8.54am on Wednesday 19th March, it was reported to us that Cooper had escaped from a GEOAmey van which was taking prisoners from Blackpool custody to Lancaster Magistrates Court.
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"To update you, Cooper, 33, was found in Blackburn this afternoon after a car which had travelled from Bolton, was stopped by officers.
"He was arrested on suspicion of escaping from lawful custody and is now in custody.
"Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal, it is much appreciated."
GEOAmey previously said they will be conducting a "full investigation" regarding the incident.