After four days on the run from walking away from a Department of Corrections Community Release Center, an escaped fugitive was captured Wednesday afternoon.

Michael A. Pizzuto, 31, had cut his electronic monitor and fled from the facility on Highway 390 in the early morning hours Saturday. The Panama City Police Department, along with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Lynn Haven Police Department started searching for Pizzuto immediately.

On Wednesday, Pizzuto was located and apprehended in the 3200 block of Country Club Drive in Lynn Haven. In addition, two other people were arrested in relation to Pizzuto’s apprehension. Lauren Luton and Anthony Ricks were both charged with aiding an escaped prisoner.

The Panama City Police Department would like to thank members of the community for tips that led to apprehension in this case, as well as the members of the United States Marshal Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Lynn Haven Police Department for their assistance in this case.

Pizzuto has been charged with escape, tampering with an electronic monitoring device and violation of community control. The case remains under investigation and additional charges could be coming.

The public can always submit tips to the PCPD by calling 850-872-3100, or they can report tips anonymously via smartphone by downloading the “Panama City PD” Tip411 app from the iOS or Google Play stores.

Alert sent on 03/10/2021 at 6:01PM EST

To submit a tip via text message text PCPDTIPinactive and your tip to 847411

Alert delivered to the following groups: Panama City Police Department, Business Alerts, and Press Releases

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