Inmate tries to escape from police van on I-10

An inmate tried to escape while riding in the back of a police van on I-10 on Wednesday.

DPS spokesperson Bart Graves says the inmate, 31-year-old Adam Arlington was being transported to Phoenix by Gilbert Police on a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.

Arlington was able to kick out the window and escape from the vehicle while it was traveling on the westbound lanes of I-10 near Elliot Road.

The inmate got out of the moving van, but was injured during his attempted escape. He's back in police custody.

Due to the incident, several traffic lanes were blocked by police and there was a severe backup on I-10.

The Arizona Department of Transportation said traffic was backed up for about two miles and they recommended drivers take Loop 202 or 101 to avoid the backup.