Patient Escapes Maryland Psychiatric Hospital Through Broken Window, Police Searching for Shooter
In a startling turn of events, a patient managed to escape from one of Maryland’s state-run psychiatric hospitals by taking advantage of a broken window and fleeing in a waiting getaway car. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, and the local police are now on a manhunt to locate the shooter responsible for facilitating the escape.
According to Cambridge Police Chief Justin Todd, an unidentified individual approached the Eastern Shore Hospital Center and fired several gunshots into a glass window. With the window shattered, the patient took the opportunity to escape through the broken frame. The patient and the shooter then swiftly made their getaway in a black vehicle.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported at the scene. The escapee has been identified as 19-year-old Darrin Lee Jeter, who had been committed to the hospital earlier this year after being arrested for assaulting a law enforcement officer and other charges. Court records reveal that Jeter had been held without bail following his arrest in May. A mental health evaluation was presented, resulting in Jeter being placed in the custody of the Maryland Department of Health. A hearing has been scheduled for November to determine his mental competency to stand trial.
In a surprising turn of events, Jeter was eventually located in Montgomery County by law enforcement officials. Montgomery County is approximately 100 miles north of the hospital and falls within the suburban area of Washington, D.C. The police have not yet confirmed whether Jeter will face additional charges relating to the escape or where he will be housed going forward. Furthermore, the alleged shooter remains unidentified, and the investigation is ongoing.
Amidst this unsettling incident, Patrick Moran, president of AFSCME Maryland, a union representing the majority of Eastern Shore Hospital Center employees, emphasized how this escape exemplifies the hazards that arise in understaffed facilities and due to management issues. Moran attributed these concerns to former Governor Larry Hogan’s administration, accusing it of neglecting state-run facilities. Moran considers this escape a wake-up call for Governor Wes Moore, who assumed office earlier this year.
The Maryland Department of Health has not yet responded to requests for comment.
As the search for the shooter continues and the aftermath of the escape reverberates throughout the hospital, it is crucial to address the safety concerns raised by Moran and ensure that such a disconcerting incident does not happen again. The escape of a patient from a psychiatric hospital highlights the vulnerabilities of the system and underscores the pressing need for adequate staffing and comprehensive management practices. The focus now shifts to apprehending the shooter responsible for enabling the escape and preventing any potential harm that may arise from this alarming incident.
