Prisoner steals car during work release and flees

A 32-year-old inmate from Klagenfurt prison stole a car while working at a charitable institution during an authorised leave period and fled, ORF reported. Police later found him in Graz.

The Austrian had been granted leave on Tuesday to work at the institution. Police launched a search for him and the car. The vehicle was recovered in Styria during the night into Wednesday, and the man was located in Graz about an hour later.

The car was slightly damaged, and it was not yet clear when it would be returned to its owner. The suspect is being questioned. Authorities have not yet disclosed why he was being held at Klagenfurt prison.