Fugitive with distinctive facial tattoos captured in Hamilton
Posted March 16, 2023 1:28 pm.
Last Updated March 16, 2023 5:09 pm.
It’s fair to say that fugitives with face tattoos are at a considerable disadvantage when it comes to eluding the authorities.
In that case, Michael Stamatakos didn’t stand much of a chance.
The heavily-tattooed federal offender’s time on the run came to an end when he was arrested by Hamilton Police less than a month after breaching his statutory release.
CHCH in Hamilton reports that Stamatakos checked himself into St. Joseph’s West 5th hospital on Saturday night and was recognized by hospital staff who called police.
It’s not clear why he checked himself into hospital.
Stamatakos, 31, had been unaccounted for since February 23, 2023, after which he became the subject of both a Canada-wide warrant and the internet’s gawking curiosity for his distinctive tats, which included a heart and teardrop with a stitch trail on his left cheek, a stitch trail on his right cheek and “SPARTON” on the right side of his neck, to name a few.
The provincial Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad said on Thursday that he’s now back in custody after being arrested in Hamilton.
Before his brief fling with freedom, Stamatakos was serving a two-year sentence for arson and property damage, dangerous conveyance operation, flight from a peace officer, uttering threats to cause death and harm, and possession of a scheduled substance.
With files from Lucas Casaletto
