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Escaped inmate back in custody after Bent's Co. Sheriff's mistake

Ronald Collier
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LA JUNTA, Colo. — Bent County Sheriff reported they have detained 38-year-old Ronald Caillier in Raton.

Prior to his recapture, the sheriff's office says Caillier overpowered a deputy and a security officer Thursday, April 11 before midnight. He then ran from the hospital and the search began.

News 5 has learned a Bent County Sheriff's Deputy failed to secure Caillier's handcuffs to his gurney, which is hospital policy. That's according to Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center CEO Any Flemer.

After reviewing security footage, Flemer said that mistake gave Cailler the ability to overpower both the deputy and a hospital security officer, who was pushed to the ground. He could not share what medical condition Caillier needed addressed by hospital staff. The regional hospital sees inmates from Otero, Bent, Crowley, and sometimes Pueblo counties, Flemer said. So it is commonplace for inmates to be treated there.

The Baca County Sheriff's Office says after leaving the hospital, Collier allegedly stole a 2007 white Dodge Grand Caravan with the Colorado license plate BFMW09. The theft either occurred on April 11 or in the early morning hours of April 12. The home it was stolen from is a 5-minute walk from the regional hospital.

The Baca County Sheriff's Office has said the van had a full tank of gas, as well as a 9mm firearm underneath the driver's seat.

The Bent County Sheriff's Office says Collier has ties to Colorado Springs, Greeley and Gillette, Wyoming.

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