Attorney: Suspect Who Jumped Naked From Hospital Window Is Bipolar
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Prisoner In Court
A court hearing provides new insight into the case of a prisoner who police said managed to escape from a hospital.
A court hearing Monday provided new insight into the case of a prisoner who police said managed to break free of his restraints and jump from a hospital window.
Published: January 12, 2009
Updated: January 12, 2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio—A court hearing Monday provided new insight into the case of a prisoner who police said managed to break free of his restraints and jump from a hospital window.
Maxwell Stevenson was brought to court in a wheelchair because he broke his hip during the fall from Grant Medical Center, NBC 4‘s Lauren Diedrich reported.
The incident began when Stevenson was arrested Friday for supposedly refusing to pay for a lighter at an east Columbus store.
Despite being hit with a Taser gun several times, police said Stevenson fought back.
Stevenson’s attorney said in court that his client suffers from bipolar disorder.
Sunday morning, police said, the 5-foot-11-inch tall Stevenson, who weighs 300 pounds, broke through his leather restraints and jumped from the fifth-floor window naked, landing on a roof where he was caught by three officers.
Hospital officials said that according to policy, officers are responsible for their prisoners at all times when they are patients.
Police said an investigation is already underway to determine what went wrong.
“We’re going to look at the investigation to see if there is any other way we can do things better. Let’s wait until the investigation gets done,“ said Sgt. Rich Weiner, of Columbus police.
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Reader Reactions
Maxwell Stevenson has been a close family friend for over a decade. He was in our son’s wedding party, has stayed at our home here in California on numerous occasions, and was and continues to be our son’s closest friend from Stanford. We have watched with pain and concern as he has bravely battled his illness these past years. When Maxwell is well and himself, no person could be more gentle, wise, friendly, or kind. Our hearts ache for Maxwell and his family, and we pray, too, for the victims involved in this trauma. Reading about this tragic chain of events only reinforces the need for education and special training law enforcement deserves in dealing with individuals living with the nightmare of mental illness. It also magnifies the the need for laws requiring mandatory commitment, treatment, and care for those who suffer in this devastating way. Maxwell, his mother, and sister will be in our prayers as we continue to support them during this dark time. We love you, Maxwell.
The Shinnefields
I NEVER SAW THIS COMING. I HAVE ONLY KNOWN MAX; “FISH MAN” FOR OVER A YEAR. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MILD MANNERED, AND VERY NICE. HE IS ILL AND NEEDS HELP. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM.
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