Inmate Captured After Escape from Gerber Memorial

A Newaygo County inmate who was being treated at Gerber Memorial Hospital escaped police custody and stole a motorcycle from a nearby home.

Inmate Captured After Escape from Gerber Memorial

The suspect, who has multiple convictions, crashed the motorcycle into a truck before being apprehended by police.

A Newaygo County inmate is back in police custody after he escaped on Tuesday from Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial Hospital.

Ian Riley-Jackson Davis, 32, was being treated for a seizure at the Fremont, Mich., hospital when he was able to outrun a deputy and security staff.

After a four-hour search, police spotted Davis on a motorcycle, where he ran a stop sign and crashed into the side of an oil truck.

Police confirmed Davis suffered serious injuries, including a broken leg, but was conscious as he was loaded into the ambulance, according to WOODTV.

The motorcycle was stolen from a nearby home, where it appears the suspect broke in to steal the keys, clothes and boots.

Newaygo County Sheriff Bob Mendham said more should have been done to secure Davis, who was not handcuffed when he escaped.

“The initial complaint was that he was having seizures and therefore it may be harmful to apply restraints,” Mendham said. “We have a lot of investigating to do yet before we can put this one away.”

The incident will serve as a lesson for his officers, he added.

“We have policies, procedures, protocols in place for a reason and those will be followed,” said Mendham. “The important part is no one in the public was injured. None of the officers were injured. So that’s a successful ending.”

Davis returned to the hospital Tuesday afternoon for treatment of his leg where security was heightened, according to WZZM 13.

Davis had been wanted for several months after abandoning parole. He has several felony convictions in Kent and Newaygo counties dating back to 2005, including drug and trafficking charges, resisting arrest, breaking and entering and contempt of court. He also has not had a valid driver’s license for several years.

Davis is due back in court next week for his Aug. 10 arrest where he was charged for receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest. Additional charges are also pending for Tuesday’s escape.

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