By KERI CHAMPION

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE-A Florida fugitive has been found after being on the run for three days.

The man who escaped from State Police on I-55 on Friday after jumping from the guardrail into the water has been identified as Mr. Charles D. Gill Jr., 25.

Gill escaped from the police car he was being held in after a traffic incident investigation revealed he was wanted on warrants in Florida early Thursday morning. He had warrants larceny, fraud, and burglary in Florida at the time of his arrest and subsequent escape.

&#8220On Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006, at 9:41, St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Office received a call that a white male was flagging down vehicles on Hwy 51 trying to hitchhike a ride,” said Trooper Joseph Piglia, spokesperson for State Police Troop B. Police were immediately dispatched to the area.

A St. John the Baptist Parish deputy was the first to arrive on the scene, and arrested Gill without incident.

According to the report, Gill who had been hiding in the swamps for three days, was wearing shorts, white t-shirt, a cuff on his right hand and dirty and wet tennis shoes.

&#8220At the time of the arrest, Gill had sustained minor injuries, was dehydrated and contracted a cold. He was taken to River Parishes Hospital by Acadian Ambulance and treated,” Piglia said.

The State of Florida confirmed that they will extradite Gill upon his release from the hospital to face charges. Gill must now face additional charges in Louisiana for escape and resisting arrest by the Louisiana State Police.