Suspect Recaptured After Escape At NM Hospital

A burglary suspect who escaped from police custody while at a Santa Fe hospital was recaptured a short time later as he hid under a staircase at a nearby high school.

Authorities tell The Santa Fe New Mexican that 33-year-old James Payne of Santa Fe was brought to the hospital Sunday after he complained of injuries he suffered in a fight outside a mall.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office says officers had also identified Payne as a suspect in a burglary at a mobile home park.

Payne is accused of escaping after his handcuffs were removed so he could be X-rayed.

Officers surrounded the hospital, but were unable to find Payne.

Eventually, someone from the school who had confronted Payne called police.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.