A Fraser Valley Correctional Centre inmate who was part of a work crew at the Albion fairgrounds chose the wrong van to use as part an escape bid Wednesday.
Ridge Meadows RCMP say a business reported a commercial van stolen from the Planet Ice parking lot Wednesday.
However, the vehicle had a tracking device inside, allowing the business to keep tabs on the van and tell police where to find it.
Ridge Meadows RCMP found the van nearby and arrested a suspect.
Michel Dionne, 29, has been charged with escape and being unlawfully at large, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen property.
“Ridge Meadows RCMP were alerted to the theft of this van by the business just before 11 a.m.," said Const. Amanda Harnett.
"The company had installed a hidden GPS tracking device in this van, so they were able to let police know where it was heading."
Maple Ridge contracts with the correctional centre using non-violent inmates to do grounds maintenance around the city.