28-year-old surrenders, officers suspended

A 28-year-old fugitive, who escaped from the Lakatamia detention center on the night of Thursday, January 25th, surrendered to authorities on Monday morning, according to officials.

The fugitive surrendered around 10:00 a.m. local time at the Nicosia Police Headquarters.

The fugitive, whose identity has not been disclosed, had managed to flee from a cell originally designated for people with disabilities. Reports indicate that he removed iron assistance bars from the cell and subsequently broke the glass bricks, causing smoke to billow from the cell.

Authorities had detained the 28-year-old since November 2023 as a suspect in a burglary and theft case. Following his escape, three police officers involved in his detention were placed on leave, and the Chief of Police has requested a detailed report on the incident.

The escape has prompted concerns regarding security protocols at the detention center and raised questions about the circumstances leading to the fugitive's release from his cell. Investigations into the matter are ongoing as authorities strive to prevent similar incidents in the future.

[With information sourced from 24 News]