Updated: June 20, 11:25 a.m.
Police say that the escapee, Jason Murray, has been arrested in Sarnia.
"After an extensive search for missing person Jason Murray, he has been arrested by the Sarnia Police Service this morning at 7:30 a.m. when he turned himself in at Police Headquarters," according to a North Bay Police news release.
"Hamilton Police would like to thank the public and Sarnia Police for their assistance. Murray is currently awaiting a police escort to Hamilton. He is expected to attend court on Thursday, June 21, 2018, to answer to the charge of Escape Lawful Custody."
Original story:
A patient who "walked away" from a forensic ward in a Hamilton hospital is still missing and police say he may be in North Bay.
Hamilton Police Service is asking for public help and has widened its search for Jason Murray.
"He may pose a threat to the community and there is a concern for his safety," says a Hamilton police news release.
On Wednesday, June 13, 38-year-old Jason Murray was last seen running westbound through the parking lot of St. Joseph’s Hospital West 5th mental health campus in Hamilton at approximately 2:30 p.m. He hopped a fence and ran into the bush to escape.
Hospital staff immediately reported him missing.
Murray is currently an involuntary patient in the Forensic Program.
Police say before coming to Hamilton, Murray spent time in North Bay and neighbouring communities and therefore have expanded efforts to include this area.
Murray is described as:
- male,
- white with a slim build,
- 5’7" with brown shaggy hair.
- last seen wearing a black baseball cap and sunglasses, blue shirt and brown pants.
Police urge you not to approach Murray but should call 9-1-1 immediately. "If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the location of Murray, please call 9-1-1."
Const. Jerome Stewart told BayToday that Hamilton Police have given a heads up to North Bay police but couldn't get into details of why Murray is considered such a danger.
"Because he has ties there (North Bay), that is why we think he may want to go back there. But the actual threat to the community, the Hamilton Psych Hospital, where he was originally a resident there...we're letting them speak to the level of concern for him."
However, Dr. Joe Ferencz, associate head of service of the forensic program at St. Joseph's says Murray was being held after being found not criminally responsible in 2016 in a case involving a concealed weapon, harassment, and threats.
