IT didn't take long for keen eyes to spot prison escapee Matthew Furner and the chase was on.
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The prison inmate who escaped from a hospital while under Corrective Services supervision in Port Macquare was tracked down by a police dog on Sunday night (August 26) and arrested by officers in Frederickton.
Several eye witnesses reported seeing Furner to Port Macquarie police on Sunday evening before he was later spotted driving a car north on the Pacific Highway.
The search involved local police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, the Dog Unit and PolAir.
About 7.15pm last night, police initiated a short pursuit which ended when the vehicle involved struck a roundabout on the Pacific Highway, Frederickton, and the male driver fled on foot.
An extensive search of the Pacific Highway led police to the vicinity of Quarry Road and Seashore Lane, Frederickton, where the man was seen trying to access a property.
A police dog tracked the man to a paddock in the area and he was arrested by police.
Furner was taken to Kempsey Police Station where he was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor bites to his face.
Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty said Corrective Services officers were monitoring Furner, who was in hospital for treatment to injuries to his neck, when it is believed he has escaped during "a time of bathing and using toilet facilities".
It is alleged Corrective Services officers fired a warning shot after Furner fled.
He is expected to be charged with escape lawful custody in Port Macquarie Local Court today, August 26.
