Violent Escape From Psychiatric Hospital Leads To Indictment: DA

TOWN OF WALLKILL, NY — A dramatic escape from a Hudson Valley psychiatric facility has now led to an attempted murder indictment.

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that 40-year-old Christopher Morgan, of Monroe, was arraigned on Tuesday on an indictment charging him with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree attempted assault, and three counts of second-degree assault. The charges stem from Morgan's alleged violent attack on a health care provider on March 6, in the Town of Wallkill.

SEE ALSO:

• Escaped Psych Patient Caught After Violent Escape From Facility: NYSP
• Escaped Psych Patient: New York State Police Issue Urgent Alert

According to court documents, Morgan was a patient in the behavioral health unit at Garnet Medical Center when he attacked his psychiatrist earlier this month, repeatedly punching her and knocking her to the ground while taking her identification badge. He fled the scene before being captured in the City of Port Jervis the following day.

The victim received serious injuries to her face, head and body, according to prosecutors.

"Healthcare providers are the helpers in society and they deserve to work free of unprovoked violence," Hoovler said. "I am grateful that law enforcement was able to take this offender into custody without further incident. We will not cease in our pursuit of violent criminals and we will seek to hold those accountable who inflict or risk injury to others in our community."

At the arraignment, Morgan's bail was continued and he was remanded back to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $250,000 cash bail, or $500,000 fully secured bond or $750,000 partially secured bond. He is scheduled for a conference on May 5.

DA Hoovler thanked the New York State Police for their investigation which led to the arrest of Morgan. He also thanked the City of Port Jervis Police Department, the City of Middletown Police Department, the Town of Wallkill Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Office who assisted in Morgan's apprehension.