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Authorities Investigating How Inmate Got Free From Fremont Courthouse

FREMONT, Calif. (AP) -- Alameda County authorities say they are trying to figure out how an inmate escaped from the Fremont courthouse and ended up 10 miles away near his home in Hayward.

Mohit Basandrai was due to appear on two felony charges and was being held away from other inmates when he allegedly escaped around 11:15 a.m. Thursday.

Alameda County Sheriff's Sgt. J.D. Nelson tells the Oakland Tribune he was arrested about three hours later while walking on a street near his Hayward home.

He was apparently not wearing his prison jumpsuit, but street clothes.

Nelson says it's not clear whether a flaw in the design of the courthouse or human error was to blame, but authorities will work to correct the problem.

Basandrai was facing charges of possession of stolen property and joy-riding after his July 26 arrest.

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