Escapee who fled Concord Hospital on foot back in custody thanks to drone

Benjamin Ayala (Police mugshot)

CONCORD - An New Hampshire prison inmate convicted of aggravated felonious sex assault who escaped from Concord Hospital has been located and is back in custody.

Corrections officers got involved around 10:15 p.m. on Friday when they were notified by the hospital that 37-year-old Benjamin Ayala had escaped and fled on foot.

A search of the surrounding area was launched immediately including law enforcement personnel, K9s and drones.

Early Saturday morning with assistance from a drone the State Police Special Enforcement Unit located Ayala along Woodman Street in Concord, about a mile from where he'd last been seen.

Ayala was taken into custody without incident.

The Department of Corrections transported Ayala back to the NH State Prison for Men where he is now in secure custody. Ayala's escape is under investigation and additional charges are likely pending the outcome of that investigation.

Ayala is currently incarcerated for aggravated felonious sexual assault and multiple assault charges, with a current maximum release date of June 11, 2048.