More Details on the Capture of an Escaped Prisoner in Concord

Though he's been caught after a manhunt across Concord, it remains a mystery this evening why Freddie Deya fled from his minimum security work release Tuesday morning in Concord Center.

Jailed on an assault and battery charge, the 25-year-old Deya was just months away from his parole eligibility this August and his release date was scheduled for Aug. 25, 2014, according to the Department of Corrections. He was doing his time at the Northeastern Correctional Center -- a pre-release facility colloquilly known as the Concord Farm for the cows that graze on parts of the lawn unoccupied by solar panels -- and worked as a dishwasher at the posh Colonial Inn. 

But, in all likelihood, that changes now. 

According to authorities, Deya, whose last known address was in Leominster, could now be facing criminal charges and an extended sentence following his May 14 escape attempt and apprehension in Concord. 

According to investigators, shortly after 11 a.m. this morning, May 14, Deya split from his shift washing dishes at the Inn during a routine "spot check." From there, police say, Deya evaded DOC staff in Concord Center and fled the area, setting off a multi-agency, two-hour manhunt that coverered half the town. 

Police believe Deya traveled along rivers and railroad tracks, eventually crossing Route 2 and ending up near the West Concord Depot station, where he was spotted. Police closed in on the escaped prisoner as he climbed trees and crossed the Assabet River. The Mass State Police Airwing and DOC's Fugitive Apprehension Unit assisted Concord Police in the search, which ended with Deya's apprehension near the riverbed behind MCI Concord, a medium security prison located across Route 2 from the Farm. 

"We were able to corner him, with the assistance of the geography with the rivers and the assistance of the various agencies," said Lt. Roy Mulcahy of the Concord Police Department. "Once he was finally cornered, he did not resist at all. He laid right down for the Corrections Officers." 

To hear more details on the chase from CPD Lt. Roy Mulcahy, watch the video above. 

Following his apprehension, Deya was booked at the Concord Police Department and transported to Concord District Court. Earlier in the day, Cara Savelli, acting director of public affairs or the Department of Corrections, explained her department's anticipated course of action in an email. 

“When he is apprehended, he will be returned to higher custody,” said Savelli in the email. “The DOC will work with [the] Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office to pursue criminal charges. If he is convicted of escape, his sentence could be extended.” 

To see Deya transported from CPD to court, watch the video above.

Police said Tuesday afternoon there was no indication why Deya fled, or whether he had plans to meet up with anyone. It's also unclear at this point whether will face charges brought by the Concord Police.