News
Inmate pleads insanity to escape, hostage-taking
Posted: Aug 26, 2011 10:17 PM by Matt Stafford
STERLING, Colo. (AP) - An inmate who escaped from a maximum-security Colorado prison has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to kidnapping and other charges after he allegedly held a woman hostage before surrendering.
The Journal Advocate reported Friday that Douglas Alward entered his plea in state court in Sterling.
Alward escaped Aug. 22, 2010, from a prison outside Sterling, about 100 miles northeast of Denver. He was arrested three days later near Yuma, 45 miles from the prison. The hostage was unhurt.
Alward is charged with escape, holding a hostage, burglary, kidnapping and other counts.
District Judge Michael Singer says Alward will be evaluated at the state Mental Health Institute in Pueblo.
Alward was serving 20 to 40 years for attempted murder, assault, burglary and kidnapping. This was his fourth escape.
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