FUGITIVE CAPTURED
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Atlantic County -- Atlantic County residents are breathing a sigh of relief after Hamilton Twp. Police captured the prisoner who escaped Tuesday night from the Atlantic County Correctional Facility.

From the moment Shane Hopkins escaped, authorities were determined that he would definitely end up back where he belonged.

Authorities searched the area immediately after Hopkins fled. Police used helicopters and K-9's throughout the night and continued for most of the day Wednesday.

Hopkins, who is wanted on charges in multiple states, was seen just minutes after his escape, running across Route 40 in his orange jumpsuit and wearing shackles.

Police notified local residents immediately to be on the lookout.

"The residents of Meadowbrook appreciate the phone call last night. We were able to tell the other neighbors to be on the lookout," said resident Pat Walters.

Police feared that Hopkins was potentially trying to get back to Pennsylvania, where his family lives.

"He was definitely trying to get out of the area, but we were not going to pull our officers out of the area until we found him," said Sheriff Frank Balles.

Just after four o'clock Wednesday, as Hamilton Township Police continued their search, officers heard a noise in the woods, they made their K-9 release announcement and Hopkins quickly surrendered.

"He started to run for a short second and as soon as he saw the dog he just put his hands up and gave up, added Sheriff Balles."

This is not the first time Hopkins escaped from prison. Police confirm that he has escaped at least one other time and he has a long list of charges in Virginia, South Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

Hopkins is currently serving a three year sentence here in New Jersey.