French police catch fugitive who escaped from jail in cellmate's bag
The man, identified as Elyazid A, originally from Mayotte, was apprehended around 6 am Monday in a basement in Sathonay-Camp, a small town north of Lyon, according to the Lyon public prosecutor's office.
He had been on the run since last Friday, when he evaded guards at Lyon-Corbas prison. No shots were fired and no one was injured during the arrest, which was carried out by officers from the Central Office for the Fight Against Organised Crime (OCLCO) and the specialised anti-crime unit DCOS 69, domestic media reported.
Elyazid A had been held in pre-trial detention for charges of murder committed as part of an organised gang and for firearms offences.
According to information obtained by French media outlet Franceinfo, he concealed himself in a large bag belonging to his cellmate, who was being released that day.
The accomplice used a borrowed luggage trolley to transport his belongings to a waiting car. It was only the following morning that prison staff realised Elyazid A was missing.
Authorities have described the escape as highly unusual, noting that it required no external accomplices, explosives or helicopters — just a bag on four wheels.
A red notice was issued by Interpol in the hours following the escape, alerting police worldwide to locate and detain the fugitive.
The second man, believed to be the one who carried the bag, remains at large and is actively sought for suspected complicity in the escape.
As reported by domestic media, the Lyon prosecutor has launched a formal investigation into 'escape in an organised gang' and 'criminal association'. The case is being handled by the Rhône division for organised and specialised crime.
France's prison service has also opened an internal investigation into the security lapse. In a statement, the service said it would 'take all appropriate disciplinary measures.'
Lyon-Corbas prison, where the escape took place, has long struggled with overcrowding. As of 1 June, it held 1,222 inmates in facilities built for just 678.
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