Authorities Apprehend Escaped Inmate Who Walked Away From GPS Release

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Authorities captured an inmate from the Utah County Jail who escaped from a drug court program in Salt Lake City.

Officials with the Utah County Sheriff’s Office said detectives apprehended Ryan Thomas Miller, 26, following a traffic stop in Salt Lake County. He had walked away from a residential substance abuse treatment program fewer than two weeks ago.

Officials said Miller agreed to wear a GPS ankle monitor as part the treatment program. He removed the monitor Oct. 14 and left the program, which is considered escape — a third-degree felony.

According to a statement from the UCSO, detectives recognized Miller sitting in the back seat of a car. When they pulled the vehicle over, they discovered he was in possession of heroin and methamphetamine. There were also six separate warrants for his arrest out of 4th District Court in Utah County.

“Miller clearly has problems with substance abuse and his extensive Utah Criminal History is full of convictions for drug possession,” according to the statement. “He also has convictions for burglary, vehicle burglary, theft, domestic violence, escape, forgery, stolen credit card possession and use, trespass, and more. As with others struggling with addiction, many of Miller’s crimes are committed to support his addiction. He, like many others, needs treatment. But he also, like many others, also needs at least some incarceration to protect society from him until he becomes committed to recovery.”