Less than two hours after escaping from the Lycoming County Prison pre-release center on County Farm Road in Loyalsock Township on the morning of Dec. 17, Ira Eugene Beaghley was captured and automatically placed behind bars at the county prison, according to an affidavit filed by the a Lycoming County detective.

During his brief time of freedom, the inmate stole a pickup truck from Beach Road, just south of the center, and drove to the 1700 block of Warren Avenue, where he was “recorded on video attempting to gain entry (to a property) by throwing his body weight multiple times into a door,” it was alleged in the affidavit.

Earlier this year, Beaghley, 45, who is homeless, was sentenced in two separate criminal cases and was ordered to serve time in the county prison. One case followed his conviction of false information and possession of a controlled substance. He was housed at the pre-release center, and was expected to be there at least until Jan. 9, investigators said. He has since been arraigned before District Judge Denise Dieter on felony charges of escape, theft, receiving stolen property and attempted criminal trespassing. He was recommitted in lieu of $15,000 bail.