U.S. Marshals capture homicide suspect who escaped from hospital last month

WASHINGTON (TCD) — Law enforcement officials captured a homicide suspect in Maryland who reportedly assaulted an officer and escaped from a hospital in Washington, D.C., following a search that lasted seven weeks.

According to a news release from the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, on Sept. 6, the U.S. Marshals Service Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Christopher Haynes in Manassas, Virginia, on suspicion of killing Brent Hayward in August. Police said Haynes waived his right to an extradition hearing and was booked into the Washington Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch.

He reportedly told police he was experiencing ankle pain from a pre-existing injury during processing and was transported to the George Washington University Hospital for treatment. Shortly after 3:30 p.m., an officer switched out Haynes’ handcuffs, and as he went to cuff one hand to a hospital bed in the hallway, Haynes allegedly assaulted the officer. Police said he fled the scene with one handcuff attached to his right wrist.

Officers tried to capture Haynes on foot, but their attempts were unsuccessful. According to the Washington Post, Haynes escaped to closed roads in Foggy Bottom and Georgetown. George Washington University reportedly issued a shelter in place alert to students.

Police released photos of Haynes and offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his arrest. They said he was last seen wearing a white suit with one red shoe. An updated photo showed Haynes with a black shirt, gray shorts, and white shoes. The handcuff was still attached.

The U.S. Marshals Service Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, with the help of a police helicopter, located Haynes on Oct. 26 in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Officials took him into custody and transported him to the Homicide Branch. Haynes will be charged with the escape, as well as the existing murder charge.

In a statement, police said, “Finding Christopher Haynes remained a top priority for the Metropolitan Police Department. MPD worked closely with our local and federal partners to ensure that Haynes was brought to justice.”

According to the Washington Post, detectives were investigating Haynes’ escape to see if police followed necessary protocols. One officer allegedly drove Haynes to the hospital even though there should have been two officers transporting him because he was considered a “security-risk prisoner.”

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