Jury convicts Iowa escape artist of 7 felonies

By JAN TUCKER

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Ontonagon — An Ontonagon County jury in Circuit Court Wednesday convicted an Iowa man of seven felonies in an incident which occurred in mid January 2018.

Paul Smith, 26, was convicted of one count illegal entry, one count of home invasion, and counts of possession of a weapon (metallic knuckles), receiving and concealing property (a vehicle), lying to a police officer, use of methamphetamine, and leaving lawful custody.

The incident began when a car was found stuck in a ditch in Stannard Township. Police discovered the car was stolen from another state and Smith was picked up by officers near the scene. He was on his way to jail in a police car when he complained of a medical emergency. He was then taken to Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital.

While hospitalized, Smith escaped from the hospital. He was still in his hospital clothes when he attempted to enter a house near the hospital. A homeowner was about to call police when Smith was located by police and taken to jail.

The trial began Monday before Circuit Court Judge Michael Pope. The 12-person jury return the guilty verdict in 85 minutes.

Judge Pope has set Feb. 4 for sentencing.