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City, N.D. – The search for a convicted sex offender Joseph Megna who bolted from a prison transport van Tuesday is over. He was captured 22 hours later in a corn field northwest of Tower City on the Dennis Smith farm Wednesday afternoon about 2:30pm.

Barnes County Sheriff Randy McClaflin says Megna ran into a corn field north of the Oriska rest stop Tuesday afternoon.

He eluded authorities for several hours before using a farm shed on the Smith farm as a shelter over night where he got water.

McClaflin says a Barnes County deputy on patrol spotted Megna Wednesday morning coming out of a shed. The deputy drew his weapon and ordered him to stop. Megna replied, “I’m unarmed, you can’t shoot me.” The deputy couldn’t catch him and he ran into the Smith corn field.

Then authorities thought about harvesting the field to flush out the escapee. McClaflin says 6 combines harvested about 100 acres of corn before he gave up to a Valley City police officer in the field.

Megna was allowed to talk to the media for a minute handcuffed and shackled in a Barnes County vehicle moments after the capture.

Megna said gave up because he was hungry and thirsty. He said he was trying to get away from the transport drivers who only feed him bread, cheese and water. He said he was not going to hurt anyone.

Dennis Smith, the landowner says he and his family are relieved that the incident is over and now they can rest easier tonight knowing he’s behind bars.

Sheriff McClaflin says Megna is in the Barnes County jail awaiting transportation to Washington State. Megna now faces escape and eluding charges from this incident.

McClaflin says the transport company based in California will be asked to pay restitution for the cost of the 22 hour search.

Barnes County Chief Deputy Don Fiebiger says Megna made his first court appearance Thursday in Valley City and was charged with felony escape and his bond was set at $100,000 dollars.

Fiebiger says Megna also has a $100,000 bond from Washington state on a child molestation and a separate sexual assault charge in that state.

Megna’s next court appearance will be October 11 in Valley City. He remains in the Barnes County jail.