Police on Monday night arrested a 59-year-old man who had escaped from the minimum-security unit at the Monroe Correctional Complex, according to the Washington Department of Corrections.
Patrick Lester Clay was apprehended in Seattle's Beacon Hill neighborhood without incident, the department said in a release. It said Clay will be placed in restrictive housing and referred to prosecutors on charges of escape and auto theft.
While working Friday, Clay allegedly broke into an office of non-custody staff through a window and stole the keys to a staff member's car, a white GMC Sierra truck. He then drove off, the department said.
Monroe police said Monday on X that they had found the car in Seattle's Central District.
Clay was serving time on a conviction for burglary, malicious mischief, harassment and theft. He was due to be released Dec. 24, 2025.
The department said the Monroe Correctional Complex will review what happened and implement any changes needed to prevent a future similar incident.
