NEW BEDFORD, Mass. – An alleged rapist remains on the loose after he escaped from St. Luke’s Hospital March 26.
Thirty-eight-year-old Anthony Flye, who faces felony charges including incest and child rape, was at the hospital to treat an injury he had obtained at the New Bedford Superior Court. He was in the custody of a court officer when he asked to go to the restroom.
The officer removed Flye’s leg shackles and handcuffs, and allowed the suspect to enter the bathroom alone. The officer did not check the bathroom.
Twenty minutes later, the officer checked on Flye, only to discover he had escaped through an unnoticed second door. After searching for the suspect for about 25 to 30 minutes, the officer then contacted hospital security about Flye’s escape at 4:50 p.m., according to Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson. However, hospital security said the escape was reported closer to 4:20 p.m.
New Bedford police found out about the missing prisoner around 5:08 p.m.
According to security protocols, two court officers must be present when escorting a prisoner to a hospital. Additionally, the prisoner cannot be left alone at any time, nor should restraints be removed.
The security department will determine whether or not disciplinary action will be taken against the officer once they have concluded their investigation.
