Escaped Psych Patient Caught After Violent Escape From Facility: NYSP

MIDDLETOWN, NY — A potentially dangerous psychiatric patient on the run is in custody after his violent escape triggered a massive manhunt, according to New York State Police.

On Friday, the New York State Police, Middletown Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), announced the arrest of 40-year-old Christopher M. Morgan, of Port Jervis, after a violent incident at Garnet Health Medical Center.

On Thursday, Morgan, a patient at the medical center, violently attacked a 74-year-old employee and forcefully removed their hospital ID access card, according authorities. Morgan then used that ID card to escape from the behavioral health unit, and fled the hospital on foot.

An organized search of the surrounding area was conducted with assistance from the Middletown Police Department, the Wallkill Police Department, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office, but the search was unsuccessful, police said.

On Friday, Morgan was located and arrested by the Port Jervis Police Department, near East Main Street in Port Jervis. He was then turned over to the custody of the New York State Police and arrested for robbery.

In addition, Morgan was arrested for making a terroristic threat in connection to an incident that took place on February 22, according to NYSP. On that date, Morgan used a phone belonging to the Garnet Health Medical Center to call in bomb threats to several local law enforcement agencies in Orange County, investigators said.

"The New York State Police would like to thank the public for providing numerous tips during this investigation," NYSP officials said in a statement. "We also extend our gratitude to the Port Jervis Police Department, the Middletown Police Department, and the Wallkill Police Department for their valuable assistance."