Practice doesn't make perfect for attempted escapee in Stafford

For the second time this week, a Dumfries man was arrested following a failed escape attempt in Stafford County, police said.

The latest attempt occurred about 6 p.m. Thursday at the Stafford Hospital Center. Sheriff's Maj. Shawn Kimmitz said the suspect, 22-year-old Robert Ouzts, was in the custody of the Rappahannock Regional Jail when he assaulted a correctional officer and fled barefooted.

The officer lost sight of the suspect, but Stafford deputies surrounded the area while Deputy S.T. Myers and his police dog, "Gunner," began a track. A short time later, Ouzts was found hiding in vegetation near the pond on hospital property.

Ouzts was already in police custody as the result of an alleged incident Tuesday during which he nearly struck several pedestrians while riding his motorcycle recklessly in the parking lot at Stafford Marketplace. Numerous deputies were in the area at the time preparing for the department's annual National Night Out.

Ouzts was tased and arrested following a brief pursuit during which police said he assaulted a deputy and ran out of his Crocs. He was charged with multiple offenses, including assault on a law enforcement officer, before being taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries.

He picked up new charges Thursday, including assault on a correctional officer, escape, larceny of leg restraints and destruction of property. The assaulted officer was not seriously injured, Kimmitz said.

Keith Epps:

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