ST. LOUIS, Missouri — Law enforcement agencies in Missouri have initiated a widespread search for a prison inmate who managed to escape custody while receiving medical treatment at a hospital in St. Louis early Thursday morning.
The fugitive has been identified as 45-year-old Tommy Wayne Boyd, a convicted child sex offender serving a 30-year sentence for statutory sodomy. Authorities have issued a stern warning, characterizing Boyd as "dangerous" in a Facebook post from the St. Louis County Police Department. Statutory sodomy encompasses certain sexual offenses involving minors under the age of 14, in accordance with Missouri state law.
Boyd's escape occurred shortly before 4 a.m. on Thursday while he was under the care of staff at Mercy Hospital South, located in the greater St. Louis area. A call reporting the escape was received by police approximately 30 minutes later. Boyd had been transferred to the hospital for treatment from the Potosi Correctional Facility just one day prior.
Surveillance footage obtained from the hospital depicts Boyd exiting the facility on foot and moving in an "unknown direction," according to authorities. The St. Louis County Police Department released still images extracted from this footage. Boyd is seen wearing a dark jacket, orange slippers, and light-colored gym shorts. Described as a 5-foot-7 white male with receding hair and a beard, it remains unclear whether he is armed.
Officials have taken immediate action to investigate Boyd's escape, urging local residents to exercise vigilance and report any potential sightings by dialing 911. Additional tips and information can be provided to investigators at the St. Louis County Police Department or submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers, which may also offer a reward for valuable leads.
Boyd's escape adds to a series of incidents in recent months where inmates have managed to flee custody while receiving hospital treatment.
Earlier this month, New York City authorities successfully located and returned 44-year-old escaped inmate Yenchun Chen to custody. Chen had been arrested in late July for possession of a controlled substance, as reported by CBS New York.
In Philadelphia, Danielo Cavalcante eluded Pennsylvania authorities for two weeks before being recaptured.
In Washington, D.C., authorities continue their search for murder suspect Christopher Haynes, who has been at large for several weeks. Haynes managed to escape custody at George Washington University Hospital on the afternoon of September 6, prompting the Metropolitan Police Department to announce a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest the following day.