Homeless man receives $100,000 reward after helping police capture fugitive convicts

The three fugitives had escaped from a high security prison and adopted disguises to avoid detection

The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to give a $100,000 reward to Matthew Hay-Chapman, pictured. (AP)

A homeless man has been rewarded $100,000 after he spotted fugitives and handed them in to police.

Matthew Hay-Chapman says he was making his regular visit to McDonalds for a cup of coffee when he spotted some unusual behaviour out of the corner of his eye, Fox News reports. He noticed a white van in a nearby parking lot with a number of people sleeping inside.

On closer inspection, he recognised one of the men’s faces from a newspaper article which he had retrieved from a nearby rubbish bin. The three men were escaped convicts who were the subject of a state-wide man hunt.

Hossein Nayeri, Jonathan Tieu and Bac Tien Duong had escaped from a high security prison and adopted disguises to thwart detection; including buying new clothes and getting haircuts. After the tip off from Mr Hay-Chapman, police successfully recaptured the convicts.

He has been praised by the local community for his eagle eyes and quick response. Yesterday, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to give him a $100,000 as a reward.

The homeless man explained to local media that he was unable to work due to chronic health issues. He said that he will use the money to start a new life and to help his adult children.