Extraordinary moment escaped inmate is found and captured with assistance from police helicopter using infrared camera

A Michigan inmate was recaptured less than two and a half hours after escaping from the Crawford County Jail, after police used a helicopter’s infrared camera to find him in woodland. The search involved state police and sheriff’s office teams, with a K-9 unit approaching the hiding place under aerial guidance.

Casie Jo Helsel, 44, escaped at about 1.30pm through a door left propped open, according to the county sheriff, who said the office would review its procedures. He was being held on assault and battery charges and has a criminal record spanning more than 25 years. Police said he was found under logs and debris and taken into custody by 3.58pm.