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Sickly Escaped Inmate Surrenders 39 Years On

Sickly Escaped Inmate Surrenders 39 Years On

A US fugitive who escaped from a prison nearly four decades ago has turned himself in because he needs a doctor.

Clarence David Moore, of Frankfort, Kentucky, was arrested and taken by ambulance to hospital after telephoning sheriff's deputies on Monday.

Officials said a recent stroke had left the 66-year-old unable to walk, and he could not get healthcare because he did not have a Social Security number under the alias he had assumed.

Moore had been telling everyone, including the woman he was living with, that his name was Ronnie Dickerson.

He was arraigned on Tuesday and is in custody at the Franklin County Regional Jail.

Sheriff Pat Melton told Sky News it was an "incredible" tale.

"The detective who took the call thought it was a prank," he said.

"I went and talked to him (Moore) and he started crying and said, 'I'm tired of running.'

"His significant other, who he was living with, a very nice lady, was in shock. She had no idea who he was."

Sheriff Melton said he thought it was possible that Moore might be pardoned.

Keith Acree, of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, told Sky News that Moore first escaped from a road crew in March 1971, while serving an eight-year sentence for stealing two television sets.

He was captured the same day but went back on the run from Henderson County Jail in June 1972.

Moore remained at large until March 1975 when he landed back in custody.

In August 1976, he vanished again from the same prison, which has since closed.

Edward Jordan, a neighbour, told WLEX he had no idea the fellow diabetic he enjoyed porch chats with was an outlaw.

"I'm shocked," said Mr Jordan. "I can't believe it."