TEWKSBURY – Police Chief Ryan Columbus reports that the Tewksbury Police Department safely located a violent person who escaped from Tewksbury State Hospital this weekend.
On Sunday, Sept. 17 at about 3:55 p.m., Tewksbury Police received a call from the Tewksbury State Hospital Campus Police to report that a court-committed patient was missing. Tewksbury Police were provided a description and were advised that the patient had a history of violence.
The patient was reported to have been seen last on campus around 3:15 p.m. Tewksbury Police had also received information that the patient was possibly seen in front of the 99 Restaurant on Main Street.
Tewksbury Police responded to the area and located the patient shortly after their arrival. Tewksbury State Hospital Campus Police responded as well and transported the patient to the hospital without further incident.
Since the patient was located so quickly by police, an alert to the public wasn’t necessary.
The patient is currently court-committed to the C4 Unit. It is not clear how the patient escaped.
Tewksbury Police are working to address safety concerns relating to the hospital and its impact on Tewksbury Police resources.
“We will continue to monitor this situation and voice our concerns about the safety and security of the hospital to ensure the safety of our residents,” Chief Columbus said.
No additional information is available at this time. Any additional inquiries regarding this incident should be directed to the Tewksbury State Hospital.
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