Michael Wheeler: Crime Stoppers tip leads to escaped convict -- cut up, and caught 'up a creek'

FUGITIVE CAPTURED Jan. 30, 2013 -- The Spokane County Sheriff's Office says it was a tip called into Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest that led the Spokane Police Patrol Anti-Crime Team arresting escaped jail inmate, Michael Wheeler, on Wednesday night. Wheeler -- who jumped a razor-sharp fence to break out of the Geiger Corrections Center on Sunday -- attempted to escape this time by swimming across Latah Creek, but was caught on the other side. The team was conducting follow up in the area of 1200 S. Chestnut, when they spotted Wheeler sneaking between houses. K9 Ofc. Hamilton followed tracks that led to the creek, where the team made verbal contact with Wheeler from across the water.  Officers were able to get to the other side of the river and take him into custody. The arrest came three days after Wheeler climbed the razor wire-covered fence to escape the Correctional Facility. He received multiple cuts from the wire, and even sutured some with a needle and thread. Wheeler was transported to a hospital by ambulance, for possible hypothermia, where he was treated and released. From there he was booked into the Spokane County Jail on a new Escape charge, as well as 14 other felony warrants. PACT officers are still conducting follow up to determine of the homeowner of the Chestnut address will be charged with Rendering Criminal Assistance. On Wednesday, The U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force arrested a man accused of helping Wheeler escape