State police apprehend man who fled courthouse

A 28-year-old Norwich man who fled the Norwich courthouse last week after learning he would be taken into custody for failing to pay child support was arrested early this morning by state police.

Elton J. Canuto of 238 Browning Road was a passenger in a car that was stopped on Route 165 in Preston at 12:15 a.m., according to state police at Troop E. He jumped out of the car and ran into the woods on Route 165 but was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

In the earlier incident, judicial officials said Canuto had jumped a railing and fled a courtroom Wednesday after learning he would be locked up for not paying child support.

The state police charged him with escape from custody and resisting arrest. They also learned he is wanted as a fugitive in Rhode Island. Court records from that state indicate he is on probation for a 2008 weapon offense. He is being held in lieu of $102,000 bond and will be presented in court on Monday.