An inmate who failed to return to a Lincoln corrections facility while searching for a job was caught Thursday afternoon in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
James Bannister and his wife, Jennifer Edwards, were taken into custody without incident. Police said the 31-year-old Bannister was in Scottsbluff on Wednesday, traveling in a car with Edwards. Authorities said the car was found on fire near a retirement center Thursday morning. Officials believe Bannister stole the car in Lincoln on Tuesday.
Bannister was arrested on charges of arson, theft by receiving stolen property and a warrant for escape from Lancaster County. Edwards was jailed on charges of being an accessory.
Bannister, who had previously been serving time for burglary in Scotts Bluff County, was given a pass to look for a job on Tuesday and applied for a one on West O Street. He never reported back to the Lincoln Community Corrections Center.
