The Olds RCMP detachment was dispatched to help the Three Hills detachment locate escaped Drumheller Institute inmate Donald Fowler on Oct. 18.
On his way back to the institute after a day pass visit to his family in Buck Lake, Fowler faked being sick on Highway 42, west of Highway 21, Three Hills RCMP said.
Fowler overpowered the lone female corrections officer by choking her with his hands and a seatbelt, then tied her and put her in the back seat of the car before driving to Highway 587, police said. He let her out of the car at the intersection of Highway 587 and Rge. Rd. 252 before continuing west on Highway 587.
He was picked up by an Olds detachment member near Rge. Rd. 272 and Highway 587.
“One of our members located the van matching the description. Fowler was transported here and then from here he went to Edmonton Max on Wednesday afternoon,” said Const. Lyle Korver.
Fowler is 32 years old and was serving time at the Drumheller Institute for second-degree murder. He has been charged with escaping lawful custody, assaulting a peace officer, kidnapping, forcible confinement, theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving.
Fowler had his first court appearance on these charges on Oct. 21 at Drumheller Provincial Court.
