Convicted felon escapes facility, captured in Winter Haven, police say

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (WFLA) — A Convicted felon was captured in Winter Haven after escaping from a facility in Kissimmee, The Winter Haven Police Department said.

Erich P. Mueller, 35, escaped from the Transition House in Kissimmee on Sept. 14, after being in prison since 2020 serving a five-year sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, carrying a concealed firearm, and grand theft motor vehicle, according to WHPD.

Winter Haven Police received a tip on Oct. 17 that Mueller was hiding out in a residence located at 680 Avenue North Southeast Winter Haven.

According to police, Winter Haven detectives conducted surveillance on the residence, spotting Mueller leaving the residence on foot. Mueller was stopped and placed under arrest for an active warrant for escape.

Mueller’s girlfriend, Alexandra J, Orrick, 32, lived at the residence and was seen entering her vehicle and starting to back out of the garage when police stopped her.

Orrick was interviewed, where she told detectives that she knew Mueller had escaped and was allowing him to stay at her home without notifying law enforcement, according to WHPD.

Orrick was arrested for harboring an escaped prisoner.

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