THE APEX TIMES
Richmond police search for DUI suspect who escaped custody at Baptist Health hospital
The Richmond Police Department is looking for a suspect accused of DUI who escaped from custody at Baptist Health Hospital, prompting an active search and coordination with the medical facility.
The Richmond Police Department is searching for a DUI suspect who escaped from custody at Baptist Health Hospital, according to a report from WKYT published June 24, 2026.
WKYT said police are actively working the incident and have been locating the suspect after the escape occurred while the person was in department custody at the hospital. The report described Baptist Health Hospital as the location where custody was being held and where the suspect left law enforcement control.
Richmond police, working with hospital staff, began responding to the escape and expanding efforts to locate the person. The episode raises immediate public-safety concerns for patients, visitors, and staff present at the medical facility at the time of the escape.
In such cases, police typically coordinate with hospital administration and security to secure areas, preserve relevant information, and determine where the suspect may have gone. Investigators also commonly review incident details such as the custody circumstances and the time window involved, while continuing searches that can include calls for public help.
WKYT did not provide additional identifying details in the report, and the current status of the search was not confirmed as of the time of publication. Anyone who may have information that could help police locate the suspect is urged to contact authorities, the report indicated.
Why It Matters
- The escape creates an immediate public-safety risk for people at the hospital and in surrounding areas during the active search.
- It also highlights custody and security challenges that can arise when law enforcement holds suspects in medical settings.
- The case may require additional review by police and hospital staff to understand how the escape happened and prevent recurrence.
- For the suspect, an escape from custody can affect the next steps in the criminal process, though the specific charges and status were not detailed in the report.
- Community awareness and timely tips can materially affect search outcomes once police are operating on limited information.
Key Facts
- Richmond Police Department is searching for a DUI suspect who escaped custody.
- The escape occurred at Baptist Health Hospital, in Richmond, Kentucky.
- The incident prompted an active law enforcement response and coordination with the hospital.
- As of WKYT’s June 24, 2026 report, police were still seeking the suspect.
- WKYT did not provide detailed suspect identifying information in the report.