The New York City Police Department is searching for a fugitive who escaped from their custody at Brookdale University Hospital in Brownsville this morning.
Officers arrested 21-year-old Akeem Williams for robbery at about 8:30 am on Jan. 12. Williams complained of chest pains and was taken to Brookdale’s emergency room for treatment, according to the NYPD’s public information office.
While waiting in the ER, Williams, whose arms were handcuffed behind his back, was able to get his arms in front of his body, remove his shirt and sneakers, and run outside with what appear to be electrocardiogram leads still stuck to his chest and abdomen.
Police searched the surrounding neighborhoods before expanding to the rest of Brownsville and neighboring East Flatbush without success. According to NYPD records, Williams lives just a few blocks away from the hospital.
Brookdale, one of three hospitals in the borough owned by One Brooklyn Health Services, has been significantly understaffed and slammed with patients as a result of the surge in coronavirus cases brought on by the Omicron variant. Only one bed was available in the entire facility as of Tuesday, according to state data.
The NYPD is asking for anyone with knowledge of the incident to submit an anonymous tip to CrimeStoppers by calling 1-800-577-8477 or 1-888-57-74782 for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted online or on Twitter @NYPDTips.
