For two days, Dean McClelland dodged the police hunt that began 130 kilometres away.
After escaping from the federal prison at Bowden, the man convicted of burning down his ex-wife’s house headed south toward Calgary.
On Saturday, police stalked McClelland through the city’s west side for several hours.
Authorities got a tip “that did play a role in aiding our investigation” about 4 p.m., said duty inspector Darren Leggatt.
“We were led to believe he may have had contact with a family member in the Bowness area,” Leggatt said.
Based on that tip, police found a green GMC truck reported stolen in Olds on the same night McClelland escaped from the nearby Bowden prison.
The search moved south over the next hours. Based on more tips from the public, the tactical unit stormed the backyard of a house in the 4800 block of 30th Avenue S.W. Calgary.
Moments later, McClelland appeared from the backyard. He was handcuffed with several bits of dry grass scattered across his dark-coloured sweater.
Police say the man was arrested without incident about 6:30 p.m.
“He was seemingly sitting peacefully in the backyard of this residence,” Leggatt said.
Currently being held in Calgary, McClelland will be sent back to Correctional Services Canada custody in the near future.
Police are still investigating whether the escaped convict made any attempt to contact his former common-law wife, Heather MacKenzie.
MacKenzie was the target of a vengeful rampage after the couple’s eight-year relationship ended.
She previously called the relationship abusive and had taken out a restraining order once she found out her husband was having an affair.
After the breakup, McClelland burned down his former spouse’s rented house. The damage was estimated at $400,000 and the residence was not insured.
During the violent spree, McClelland also poured acid on three cars and slashed the tires of a fourth vehicle.
In May 2010, McClelland pleaded guilty to one count of arson, one count of criminal harassment and four counts of criminal mischief causing damage.
Originally sentenced to 51/2 years, he was given double credit for the 11 months already spent in custody – leaving him with three years, eight months and 15 days left to serve.
McClelland was discovered missing from the minimum-security annex at the Bowden Institution during the 10:15 p.m. count on Thursday.
Prison officials did not return calls on Saturday evening.
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