THE APEX TIMES
Richmond Police Search for Man After Escape From Custody at Baptist Health Hospital
Police said a DUI suspect escaped custody while at Baptist Health Hospital and are asking for public help locating him.
Richmond Police Department is searching for a man accused of DUI who escaped from custody while being held at Baptist Health Hospital, the department said, according to a report published Tuesday by WKYT.
The report says the escape occurred at Baptist Health Hospital in Richmond, where the suspect was in police custody for an alleged DUI incident. Richmond police have not said publicly in the report what specific unit or area of the hospital the escape occurred in, nor have they detailed whether anyone was injured during the incident.
WKYT reported that Richmond police are actively looking for the suspect and have treated the escape as an immediate public safety matter. The report does not identify the man by name, and it does not describe his current whereabouts beyond stating that he is at large.
Because the suspect was in police custody at a hospital, the incident has raised questions about the procedures used to secure detainees in medical settings. Hospitals typically must balance patient care, safety, and security requirements, while law enforcement coordinates custody and transport, but the report did not provide any further information on how custody was maintained prior to the escape.
The report also does not specify what charges or case number are tied to the DUI allegation, how long the man had been held, or whether Richmond police are pursuing additional charges related to the escape. Those details are not included in the reporting available for this story.
Richmond police said they are searching for the suspect, and the public is expected to play a role in providing information that could help investigators locate him. The next step for the case, based on the reporting, is continued law enforcement efforts to determine the suspect’s location and ensure he is taken back into custody.
Why It Matters
- An escape from custody at a hospital creates immediate public safety and officer safety concerns in a community setting.
- The incident highlights the importance of detainee-security procedures at medical facilities where law enforcement custody is present.
- If the suspect is not located quickly, it can delay resolution of the underlying DUI case and extend time the individual remains outside supervision.
- Families and hospital staff can be affected when custody events shift from the law enforcement setting to an active medical environment.
Key Facts
- Richmond Police Department is searching for a DUI suspect who escaped custody.
- The escape happened at Baptist Health Hospital.
- WKYT reported the man was in police custody when he escaped.
- The suspect remains at large as of June 24, 2026, per the report.
- The available report does not name the suspect or provide further specifics about the circumstances or timeline.