Western State Hospital Patient Found After Escaping In Truck

LAKEWOOD, WA — A patient who stole a delivery truck and fled the state's largest psychiatric hospital over the weekend ultimately did not get very far, multiple news outlets reported. Western State Hospital's security team eventually found the patient at a nearby school.

According to KIRO-TV, the patient stole a delivery truck Sunday while two hospital workers were unloading it. He then drove it to Steilacoom High School, which is close by. Hospital staff found the patient inside the library and returned him to the facility.

One hospital worker, who was in the back of the truck at the time, fell out and was injured, KOMO-TV reported.

Over the years, the hospital has come under fire over safety concerns. In 2012, detectives investigated a homicide at the facility involving two patients. One was charged with second-degree murder.

The hospital lost its federal certification in 2018. The same year, the Associated Press reported poor conditions inside the facility as well as described overworked staff, filthy conditions, and punishment for workers who speak out.

SEE ALSO:

• Victim Identified In Probable Homicide Friday At Western State Hospital
• After De-Certification, Western State Gets New Oversight Plan