R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-17-7: Release of property held as evidence after escape of defendant.

If any defendant charged with the commission of any crime or offense after arrest upon indictment, information, or complaint found shall have escaped, the court before which the indictment, information, or complaint shall be pending may, after the lapse of a reasonable time, return and restore any property or estate held pursuant to § 12-7-16 to its owner.