Guam governor: Staple used to remove handcuffs

HAGATNA, Guam (AP) An inmate who escaped this week used a staple to remove his handcuffs, Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo said.

Corrections officials say they're not certain Keith Garrido's handcuffs were fully locked when he allegedly jumped out of a van while stopped at a traffic light Monday as he was being driven to a court hearing.

The Department of Corrections failed the community, Calvo wrote in a column published in the Pacific Daily News (http://ow.ly/qB2zW ). He also noted the lack of safety locks that would have prevented opening the van from the inside.

DOC Director Jose San Agustin didn't immediately respond to an after-hours message at his office from The Associated Press Thursday.

The van was packed with detainees, so both corrections officers rode in front, instead of one riding in the backseat.

Garrido allegedly assaulted and robbed a woman in her home while on the loose for more than an hour. He was in the island's prison on murder charges in the December 2012 killing of Nancy Mafnas in her home.

"All of these mistakes landed a woman in the hospital with a nightmare that will always haunt her," the governor wrote. "All of these failures have undone all the confidence our people have in DOC."

Calvo said Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio is responsible for ensuring there is a thorough investigation. Tenorio has ordered Guam's public safety agencies to re-evaluate all standard operating procedures. Criminal charges and personnel action could be taken against any employees found liable for the escape, Calvo said.

Lawmakers also have scheduled a Nov. 15 oversight hearing for the Department of Corrections.

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Information from: Pacific Daily News: http://www.guampdn.com