Man who escaped from guards back in custody after arrest in Morehead

MOREHEAD, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — A safety alert issued earlier this week has now been canceled after Anthony Martinez, an escaped inmate, was captured in Morehead.

According to the Morehead Police Department, Martinez had been on the run since Tuesday night when he escaped from the UK-St. Claire Hospital, while in the custody of Rowan County Detention Center guards.. Authorities said he forced open a locked door and ran into the woods, prompting a regional manhunt and a public safety alert.

Morehead Police say they tracked Martinez to a hiding spot and took him into custody without incident. He is now back behind bars.

Martinez had been jailed on burglary and theft charges prior to the escape. Law enforcement officials have not yet said what new charges he may face.

Stay with ABC 36 News Now for updates as this case develops.