Escaped Newton Correctional Release Center inmate apprehended in Warren County

An inmate who walked away from Newton Correctional Release Center without permission was found and apprehended by law enforcement officials Wednesday in Warren County, less than a day after his initial escape, according to an Iowa Department of Corrections press release.

Officers from the Warren County Sheriff’s Department and Indianola Police Department arrested Terry Lee Fink II within 24 hours of his escape from the minimum security facility. Fink II was then transported to Newton Correctional Facility upon his capture and confirmation of his identification by law enforcement.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office was able to confirm Fink II had allegedly broke into Dave’s Auto World, 2051 S. 24th Ave. W. and stolen a pickup truck at around 7:45 a.m. Wednesday. The thief of the white 2008 GMC truck was wearing a blue overcoat, blue pants, black boots and a blue stocking cap. No further details were available at presstime.

Fink II was not present during a routine headcount 9:10 p.m. Tuesday at Newton Correctional Release Center, prompting staff to review security footage which depicted the inmate breaching a secured emergency vehicle gate and walking away from the facility roughly two hours prior to the roll call.

The 46-year-old former escapee was placed in Newton Correctional Release Center Oct. 4 and had been convicted of two aggravated misdemeanors in Franklin County: operating while under the influencing of alcohol or a drug and eluding.

Following Fink II’s escape, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Des Moines Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the 5th Judicial District Department of Correctional Services Fugitive Apprehension Team were notified and worked to apprehend the subject.

Fink II is currently housed in Newton Correctional Facility.

As to whether Fink II will receive any further charges following his escape, the Iowa Department of Corrections said in a statement: “The department refers criminal acts, such as escape, to the county attorney for prosecution.”

According to Iowa Code 719.4 (escape or absence of custody), if a person arrested, charged or convicted of a misdemeanor escapes or attempts to escape from a detention facility, community-based correctional facility or related institution, he or she would commit a serious misdemeanor.

— NDN reporter Orrin Shawl contributed to the report.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com