TOPEKA, Kan. — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Colorado man who held a Kansas couple hostage then sued them for breach of contract for turning him in.

Jesse Dimmick of Denver contended he had a legally binding oral contract with Jared and Lindsay Rowley that they’d hide him from police in return for money.

Dimmick was a fugitive facing a murder charge when he burst into the Rowleys’ home in September 2009 and confronted them at knifepoint. The Rowleys escaped when he fell asleep.

Dimmick was later convicted of kidnapping and other charges and the Rowleys sued him for more than $75,000 in damages. Dimmick counter-sued, seeking $160,000 for hospital bills and $75,000 for pain and suffering.

The Topeka Capital-Journal (http://bit.ly/AFu1dh ) reports a judge dismissed the suit Jan. 9.