Suspect that escaped Providence Police custody held without bail

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

The armed robbery suspect that escaped police custody Tuesday and then was caught has been arraigned and held without bail on first-degree robbery and conspiracy charges. 

34-year-old Michael Drepaul, of Providence, was in custody on an arrest warrant charging him with conspiracy, first degree robbery, and felony assault following a armed robbery and shooting that took place on February 25th at a convenience store on Douglas Avenue in Providence. Drepaul was not the shooter in the incident.

Major David Lapatin of Providence Police says Drepaul escaped from a holding cell at the Providence Public Safety Complex around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday.

"We think it may have happened when he was put back into the holding cell from the interrogation," he said.  He told ABC6 the cell door may have malfunctioned or unlocked after closing and they are looking into it to finding out what happened to make sure it doesn’t happen again."There was a path to get out and he obviously found it […] now we will tighten that up in the hopes that it never happens again."

Drepaul was taken into custody from 22 Deborah Street around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

He was additionally charged for escaping custody. His criminal history dates back to 1999, where he was also charged with attempted escape.

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