Police are intensifying their search for a murder suspect who escaped from hospital while in custody.
D.C. police have increased the reward for information about Christopher Haynes to $30,000, a week after the suspected killer at George Washington University Hospital was on the loose.
Haynes was arrested on September 6 for suspected involvement in an August shooting that left Brent Hayward dead and another man injured.
Metropolitan Police chief Pamela Smith said that during questioning, Haynes complained of a pre-existing ankle injury and was taken to hospital, where he attacked an officer who was “moving the handcuffs” to secure him. .
The 30-year-old man then fled with a handcuff tied to his wrist, as two other officers chasing him failed to catch him.
The ongoing search has since led to several reports of possible sightings, each of which police have said they are investigating.
Police said he may still be handcuffed to his right wrist, and they are unsure what he will be wearing next. But he has a distinctive “W” tattoo on the front of his neck, which may help the public identify him.
However, authorities warned that anyone who sees Haynes not to interact with him and to “exercise caution.” He also said anyone who is aiding or harboring an escaped suspect will be charged criminally.