A fugitive from another state escaped police custody at Denver International airport this evening, and police later called off an hours-long search for the man.
Police told 9News the suspect was Jose Angel Ruiz. An airport spokesman said officials presumed he had “left the area” despite an intensive search of DIA parking lots and garages.
The man had been arrested after allegedly rifling through passenger luggage near a baggage claim.
Airport police learned he was a fugitive, and were preparing to hand him off to Denver Sheriff’s Department jailers, when he ran away. Police searched parking areas and pointed flashlights into departing cars, but air operations were not interrupted, the airport said.
Denver police say he is wanted in Missouri and Texas on burglary and escape charges. Details weren’t immediately available.
