Escaped Sex Offender Nicholas Voutsas Captured After Multi-State Manhunt

Published by The Garden State Gazette
February 4, 2025

In a dramatic conclusion to a multi-day manhunt, Nicholas Voutsas, a 25-year-old convicted sex offender, was apprehended in Brooklyn, New York, on February 3, 2025. His escape from a medical transport van in Newark, New Jersey, just days earlier had sparked widespread concern and criticism over inmate transport protocols.

The Escape

On the morning of January 30, Voutsas managed to flee from a New Jersey Department of Health transport van while being taken to University Hospital in Newark for a routine medical appointment. The escape occurred near South Orange Avenue and Bergen Street, just blocks from the hospital. Authorities revealed that Voutsas was not restrained at the time of his escape and exploited the opportunity to flee when the van stopped at a red light.

Described as 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 260 pounds, Voutsas was last seen wearing a two-tone black-and-green winter jacket, dark blue pants, and black sneakers with Velcro straps. Surveillance footage captured him walking away from the scene shortly after his escape.

The incident raised alarms due to Voutsas’s status as a Tier 2 registered sex offender, which indicates a moderate risk of reoffending. He had previously been convicted of crimes including child endangerment and luring minors. His escape heightened fears in communities near schools and daycare centers that had been notified of his offender status.

The Manhunt

The New Jersey State Police quickly launched an intensive manhunt involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Alerts were issued to the public with detailed descriptions of Voutsas’s appearance, urging vigilance and immediate reporting of any sightings. However, criticism emerged over the two-day delay in notifying the public about his escape.

For days, authorities scoured Newark and its surrounding areas but failed to locate him. The search eventually expanded across state lines as concerns grew about his potential threat to public safety.

The Capture

On February 3, law enforcement tracked Voutsas to a men’s homeless shelter in Brooklyn. When officers approached him, he attempted to flee but was subdued after a brief struggle. Four officers sustained minor injuries during the arrest but are expected to recover fully. Following his capture, Voutsas was transported to Woodhull Hospital for evaluation before being returned to custody.

Community Concerns and Legal Fallout

Voutsas now faces additional charges for his escape, adding to his already extensive criminal record. His capture has reignited debates over the adequacy of security measures for transporting high-risk offenders. Local residents have expressed outrage over the breach in protocol and demanded reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As legal proceedings against Voutsas continue, this case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in balancing public safety with operational efficiency.

For updates on this developing story, stay tuned to The Garden State Gazette.