An Estill County jail escapee who was on the run for two days was arrested Friday in Knox County, state police said.

Daniel Patterson, 36, escaped from the Estill County Courthouse Wednesday, where he was supposed to appear in court for a hearing on an emergency protective order involving his estranged wife.

Patterson allegedly stole a Dodge Dakota pickup truck to make his escape. It was found in Knox County Friday morning, said Trooper Paul Blanton, spokesman for state police's Richmond post.

Blanton said officers from the Harlan post made the arrest. The escapee was lodged in a local jail Friday night.

The Estill County sheriff's office had said Patterson could be headed toward Barbourville in Knox County, where he reportedly has relatives.

Patterson's escape caused Eastern Kentucky University to send out a campus-wide alert Thursday warning students and staff to be on the lookout. Patterson's wife works for the university, authorities said.

Before he escaped, Patterson was held on charges stemming from the robbery of a Cash Express in June.

Josh Kegley: (859) 231-3197 Twitter: @HLPublicSafety