Sheriff's Office Searching for Mease Countryside Patient

Update: Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies continued searching after sundown Friday for a Mease Countryside Hospital patient who left the hospital and jumped into a canal, according to a media release.

The patient, a black man in his 40s, left the hospital on foot and followed by a security guard. Witnesses saw the man enter the Lake Tarpon Outfall Canal near McMullen Booth and Curlew roads and wade north. He was last seen wearing a hospital gown. he then headed

He could be in danger, according to St. Petersburg Times reporter Rita Farlow.

Sheriff’s Office Spokeswoman Cecilia Barreda told her the man is a mental health patient but was not in custody under the Baker Act, in which someone may be held for psychological evaluation if he or she appears likely to harm someone.

The man was seen jumping into the canal around 4:20 p.m. Friday. 

The Sheriff's Office's Patrol, Marine, Flight,and Dive Team have responded to the scene. They are being assisted by Safety Harbor Fire, and Florida Fish and Wildlife staff.