by Jon Dell and Carol Rock

Updated: 4:40 p.m.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies and Simi Valley Police officers captured Adrian Mitilica, who escaped from Pitchess Detention Center earlier today after a Simi Valley business owner called police about a suspicious person in the area.

The inmate, Adrian Mitilica (pictured above), is believed to have escaped around 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning and deputies proceeded to launch a massive manhunt.

Mitilica escaped from the South Facility on a laundry truck and was at large for several hours. Selected schools in the Newhall and Castaic area were locked down as a safety precaution and deputies combed Castaic, Tesoro and western Valencia near the Industrial Center throughout the morning.

A bulletin was issued with the suspect’s description and photograph to enlist the public’s help in his capture.

Thursday afternoon, a business owner in the area of Yosemite Avenue and the 118 freeway in Simi Valley saw a man jump from the top of a truck. Thinking it rather odd, he called the Simi Valley Police Department.

According to Los Angeles County Sheriff spokesman Sgt. Darren Harris, Simi Valley PD set up a containment of the area and three L.A. County Sheriff’s units and air support responded to assist. Mitilica attempted to flee, leading officers on a short pursuit, but when they caught him, he admitted to his identity and was transported back to the Santa Clarita station for booking.

“Those few hours of freedom are going to cost him a few years behind bars in state prison,” Harris said.