Inmate on the run recaptured after calling 911 to report he was being chased by coyotes

Police officers in Rock Island County got a little help from an unlikely source when they captured a man who was wanted in Muscatine, Iowa, for escaping. Daniel Rice, 21, was jailed and facing theft, burglary and criminal mischief in Muscatine County, when he was taken to a Muscatine hospital for heart-related issues.

It was during that hospital visit on Monday, October 20, 2014, that Rice allegedly escaped, despite being handcuffed to the bed and wearing only a hospital gown which reportedly came off as he ran away. Rock Island County deputies were sent to Loud Thunder Forest Preserve in Illinois City, Illinois, to investigate a report from someone saying they were being chased by wild coyotes just after midnight on Wednesday October 22.



Deputies said Rice was actually the person who made that call. Rice reportedly gave a false name to police as he told them he used a stick to fend off the animals. Rice said he thought about 30 coyotes were after him. In audio from the call to emergency dispatchers, the caller identifies himself as Zachary Turner and claims he and his sister were chased by about 20 or 30 coyotes at Loud Thunder.

The Rock Island County deputies found Rice, and recognized him as a reported escapee. The pacemaker scar on his chest served as further confirmation that they had a wanted man. Rice was arrested at Loud Thunder, and later transferred from the Rock Island County Jail to the Muscatine County Jail. Rice is in the Muscatine County Jail, held in lieu of $50,000 cash-only bond.

With audio of the 911 call halfway down the page.