By Kevin O’hanlon, The Associated Press
Lincoln, Neb. (AP) -- Attorney General Jon Bruning announced Wednesday that 11 felony charges were filed against a prison inmate who overpowered two guards to escape in February.
Michael McGuire, 54, escaped from prison guards Feb. 3 during a visit to the Tecumseh hospital. Authorities believe he used a handgun that had been hidden in a bathroom.
He was captured four days later after a shootout with police in Omaha. No one was injured.
McGuire was serving time on robbery, kidnapping and rape convictions.
The new charges include one count of escape and three counts of kidnapping. He also faces assault, weapons and habitual criminal charges.
He faces up to life in prison on the new charges.
The charges were filed in Douglas and Johnson counties.
“Michael McGuire is the worst type of offender,” Bruning said. “His disregard for the law and reckless behavior put law enforcement and all Nebraskans at risk.”
Authorities were led to McGuire by a tip from a man who said McGuire had held him in his apartment for three days.
After several days of being held hostage, the man was able to call police and describe the rental car that McGuire was driving, police said. A Nebraska State Patrol investigator spotted the car in central Omaha.
Police surrounded the car but McGuire ran, exchanging shots with officers over about a block, police said.
McGuire then ran into Mojo’s Coffeehouse, stomped snow from his shoes and said “It’s getting kind of crazy out there,” owner Keri Casady recalled.
Police stormed in with guns drawn and captured McGuire, she said. At least one shot was fired inside the coffeehouse.