Thessaloniki: Fugitive sentenced after escaping police patrol car

A 21-year-old Algerian national has been sentenced to 2.5 years in prison after escaping from a police patrol car in Thessaloniki. The escape occurred while officers were transporting him from the Judicial Building to the police station. He faced multiple charges, including theft, violence against officials, disobedience, and dangerous driving.

After remaining at large for four days, the man was apprehended in the Kilkis region following an operation by the OPKE and DI.AS. police units. A 22-year-old Greek man was also arrested for allegedly providing shelter to the fugitive. During court proceedings at the Thessaloniki Misdemeanor Court, the Greek national was sentenced to 18 months in prison for harboring a criminal, though his sentence may be converted to a daily fine.

The fugitive admitted to opening the car door to flee, stating he initially sought refuge in Menemeni before finding housing with his co-defendant. The Greek man denied knowing the fugitive's criminal history, claiming he only offered him work due to a mutual acquaintance.