D.C. police said Thursday they captured a murder suspect who had escaped their custody at George Washington University Hospital and had been on the run for the past seven weeks.

Metropolitan Police said Christopher Haynes, 30, was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Oxon Hill.

Mr. Haynes will be charged with escape, in addition to a first-degree murder charge in connection to the Aug. 12 killing of Brent Hayward in Northeast.

He was originally detained Sept. 6 in Manassas after the D.C. Superior Court issued a warrant for his arrest.

Police said Mr. Haynes complained of a pre-existing ankle injury during his processing, and was then taken to the hospital for treatment. 

Police said he assaulted one of the officers watching over him while they were changing out his handcuffs at the hospital. He fled from the other officer assigned to guard him and made his way out of the medical facility.

Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Carlos Heraud expressed confidence last month that the fugitive was being helped by someone to evade authorities. 

Police have not announced charges against any suspected accomplices in Mr. Haynes’ escape.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.