A patient escaped from Eastern Shore Hospital Center in Maryland by breaking through a shot-out window and fleeing in a getaway car. The escapee has been identified as 19-year-old Darrin Lee Jeter, who was committed to the hospital earlier this year. He was later located in Montgomery County, about 100 miles away. The police are still working to identify the alleged shooter. The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety and understaffing at state-run facilities. The Maryland Department of Health has secured the facility and is providing necessary care and counseling. Associated Press reported

Patient Escapes from Maryland Psychiatric Hospital, Prompts Concerns About Safety

CAMBRIDGE — A patient managed to escape from one of Maryland’s state-run psychiatric hospitals on Tuesday evening, sparking concerns about safety protocols at the facility. According to local police, the patient fled through a shattered window and made their getaway in a waiting car.

The incident occurred at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center when an unidentified individual fired multiple gunshots into a glass window, creating an opportunity for the patient to escape. Cambridge Police Chief Justin Todd stated that the patient, identified as 19-year-old Darrin Lee Jeter, then fled the scene with the assistance of the shooter.

Jeter had previously been committed to the hospital after being arrested for assaulting a law enforcement officer and other charges. Court records revealed that he was held without bail and a mental health evaluation was conducted. Jeter’s competency to stand trial is set to be determined in November.

Law enforcement later located Jeter in Montgomery County, approximately 100 miles away from the hospital. It remains unclear if he will face additional charges related to the escape or where he will be housed going forward. The alleged shooter has yet to be identified.

The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety and management issues at the Eastern Shore Hospital Center. Patrick Moran, president of AFSCME Maryland, the union representing the facility’s employees, highlighted the dangers posed by understaffing and criticized the previous administration for neglecting state-run facilities.

The Maryland Department of Health confirmed the escape and assured that they have taken measures to secure the facility and provide necessary care and counseling for patients and staff.

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