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PD: Man wanted after escaping from Scottsdale hospital arrested in Tempe after armed robbery

Posted at 9:41 PM, Nov 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-11 00:58:02-05

A man who escaped from police custody while at a Scottsdale hospital weeks ago has finally been captured in Tempe after stealing a vehicle at gunpoint, police say. 

According to the Tempe Police Department, on November 9th shortly after noon, a homeowner had his car stolen from his residence. He told police a suspect, later identified as Rodolfo Avalos, pulled out a gun to steal his vehicle. 

Police were able to locate the stolen vehicle near 48th Street and University Drive; Avalos fled from the car but was later located in a camp trailer by police. He was taken into custody and faces armed robbery charges stemming from Wednesday's incident. 

Avalos, 27, was actually wanted in Scottsdale back on October 21st after he escaped from police custody. 

He was in Salt River Police custody at Honor Health,when an officer left Avalos handcuffed to the bed briefly, watched by a hospital security guard. But Avalos escaped. 

Avalos ran from the hospital and carjacked a woman at Osborn Road and Drinkwater Boulevard. According to Scottsdale police, the woman exited her Lexus SUV and Avalos took off from the scene.

The woman was not injured in the incident. The SUV was later located during the first week of November in Phoenix. 

Newly released body camera video from Scottsdale police is providing new details about the carjacking victim.

Jennifer Magnatta said she had just dropped off her daughter and was waiting at a red light when Avalos started pounding on her passenger window.

"I'm thinking, 'What does this guy want?' I think I probably panicked and opened the door." Magnatta said during a recorded interview with police.

She said before she could respond or roll down the window Avalos got into her car, told her to drive and instead she instinctively grabbed her purse and phone and got out.

"I immediately got out and he jumped over the center.” She said, "I was like 'No, hell no, I don't know who you are.’"

It's unclear what other charges Avalos may be facing from the Scottsdale incidents.  

Stay with ABC15 for updates.