BY MILES LAYTON
SWAN QUARTER — The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office announces the successful apprehension of escaped inmate Francisco Cardenas.
Cardenas, 32, was taken into custody by K-9 Sergeant Jeremy Andrews without incident at approximately 6:15 PM today in Swan Quarter, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Cardenas apprehension was a result of a tip provided by retired Trooper Darrell Pugh — see below about possible reward money.
Cardenas, 32, escaped Thursday from the Hyde Correctional Center where he was serving a 5-to-8-year sentence for drug trafficking, with a projected release date in January 2029. Following his escape, a coordinated effort involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies was initiated to locate and apprehend him.
Sheriff Guire Cahoon expressed gratitude to all agencies involved in the search and capture.
“The swift and collaborative response from our law enforcement partners was instrumental in ensuring the safety of our community and bringing Mr. Cardenas back into custody,” he said.
Reward money — Monday, there was a $10,000 reward offered — $5,000 from the State of North Carolina and a $5,000 from the US Marshals Service — for information that would lead to the capture of Cardenas, according to the NC Department of Adult Correction. So maybe retired Trooper Pugh is going to have some reward money coming to him.
Honestly, I wonder how Cardenas spent his time in Hyde County since his escape Thursday. Apprehended in Swan Quarter, Cardenas probably didn’t get very far from the prison.
His shoes — see the photo — are maybe not the best suited for Hyde County, especially with the recent rains we’ve had, so they probably didn’t help him much either.
When I saw a snapping turtle 2-3 feet wide out and about Monday – I started thinking about Cardenas. Lots of turtles out, so the snakes can’t be far behind.
And I’ll say it again, Hyde County is known for having a high density of large black bears — some of the largest in the world.
To be candid, Cardenas, if you are reading this, you are probably safer in prison than navigating unfamiliar territory in a hostile environment in Eastern NC. Don’t believe me? Then ask Snappy
2 responses to “Inmate Francisco Cardenas Apprehended in Hyde County”
Love your follow-ups!
Thanks — Much appreciated! Unlike other media outlets, we’re not going to publish boring crime news or stories that make criminals look like heroes.