CHULA VISTA : Marshals Capture Escaped Prisoner

A prisoner who escaped from the Chula Vista courthouse last week has been captured, federal and county officials said.

Jonathan Sampson George, 34, of San Diego was facing trial on a robbery charge when he escaped from a holding cell last Monday, county marshals said. George also was charged with eight state felony and federal firearms charges that could result in a life sentence if convicted, Deputy U.S. Marshal James Schield said.

George was caught by federal and county deputy marshals about 9 p.m. Friday after they got a tip that he was at a pet grooming shop at 54th and Redwood streets in San Diego, said Sgt. Bob Walk of the county marshal’s office.

He was alone when deputy marshals forced their way inside, Schield said. George reportedly tried to flee out the back but was tackled by deputies. He was not armed, Schield said.

Deputies saw George at the pet shop the day after he escaped, but he commandeered a bystander’s pickup and fled, Schield said. The truck was recovered Thursday in Los Angeles. George faces additional charges in the escape, Schield said. He was held without bail in the federal Metropolitan Correctional Center in San Diego.