Two Inmates Escape Enumclaw PD Custody, Later Apprehended

Two inmates in Enumclaw Police custody escaped Wednesday evening but were later recaptured with the assistance of a K9 unit from Kent Police and the King County Sheriff Department Guardian One helicopter, a press release said early Thursday.

Joseph Michael Zelepula, 21, and Danny Lee Phelps, 25, were working on the main floor of the Police Department when they were able to separate themselves from visible contact with the supervising correction officer and flee custody. 

The inmates were both serving Enumclaw Court Commitments at the time of their escape. Zelepula was serving a 60 Day Enumclaw Municipal Court commitment for Attempt Theft and Driving on a Suspended License. Phelps was serving a 305 day Enumclaw Municipal Court commitment for Criminal Conspiracy and Drug Paraphernalia. 

The inmates confronted several local teenagers in a residential area in the northeast section of the city, hitting one in the head area (causing minor injuries) and taking their outer clothes, shoes, and a cell phone.

Police were able to track, locate, and recapture both suspects; Zelepula was arrested two hours later in a residential area with the assistance of a K9 unit from Kent Police and Phelps was arrested four hours later at a downtown convenience store after being spotted riding a bike by the King County Sheriff Department Guardian One  helicopter.

Police from Enumclaw, Buckley, Black Diamond, Kent, and King County deputies were involved with the search and subsequent arrests.

Further investigation is ongoing with new charges pending for the inmates.