Arrestee escapes from hospital but gets recaptured after phoning home

A 64-year-old arrestee escaped from Queen Elizabeth Hospital under the watch of Correction Services officers in the early hours of Thursday but was later subdued and arrested again by police as he phoned home to inform his family in Pak Tin Estate of his return. 

The man, arrested for making child pornography, was escorted from Lai Chi Kok Reception Center to the hospital to seek medical attention on Wednesday night. 

At around 4 am today (Thu), he suddenly escaped from the handcuffs tied to the bed and ran away when the correctional staff went to the nurse station at the hospital ward. Officers at the scene immediately ordered him to stop, mounted the chase, and called for reinforcement. 

Cops were called to the scene to initiate a manhunt as well. 

At about the same time, police received a call from a woman, who said her arrested father phoned her and said he was coming to their home at Shing Tin House in Pak Tin Estate to seek help and borrow some money. 

A large number of armed officers then rushed to Shing Tin House as they surrounded the building, and locked down all the entrances and exits to search for the suspect. 

The arrestee was finally intercepted and subdued by officers at around 5.45 am as he was spotted opposite Lai Tin House, wearing no shoes and in hospital clothing. 

As the man was cuffed and taken onboard a police vehicle, he told the cops: “I want to head home to have a few words with my family only.” He also said: “I will go to the police station on my own. Rest assured.” 

Police are now investigating how the arrestee escaped from the hospital. The Correctional Services Department has also appointed a board of inquiry to conduct a thorough investigation. 

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