Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, September 6, a shocking incident unfolded as Christopher Haynes, a 30-year-old homicide suspect, managed to escape from police custody while receiving treatment at George Washington University Hospital. The escape has prompted a widespread manhunt, involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to reports from WJLA, Haynes had been transported to the hospital by Washington authorities after complaining of an ankle injury. Tragically, before he could be securely restrained on a gurney, he allegedly assaulted an official and fled from the medical facility.
CNN revealed that Haynes was in custody due to his alleged involvement in a homicide case, with officials accusing him of fatally shooting one person and injuring another on August 12. Given his alleged violent tendencies, authorities have issued a warning, considering Haynes to be dangerous, and urging the public not to approach him directly.
BREAKING: just learned that Christopher Haynes, the man who escaped GW hospital yesterday, was picked up on a DC homicide warrant in Northern va. Yesterday. Chief says he escaped during a change of handcuffs and that 2 officers were present when he escaped. 1 officer assaulted. pic.twitter.com/AY3tq1H90d
— David Kaplan (@DKaplanFox5DC) September 7, 2023
ABC reports that Haynes first encountered legal trouble in 2020 when he attempted to ride a bicycle into multiple Prince William County police officers. However, he resurfaced on the radar of law enforcement in August 2023, allegedly committing the double shooting on the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue in Washington, D.C. One of the victims suffered critical injuries, while the other tragically lost their life at the scene.
On September 6, 2023, Haynes was arrested in connection with the August shooting. Officials formally charged him with the non-fatal shooting of the surviving victim and the homicide of 33-year-old Brent Hayward from Virginia. During the processing at the hospital, Haynes complained of an ankle injury.
In response to his medical condition, officials transported Haynes to a local hospital. To facilitate the treatment, one of his handcuffs was removed and attached to a gurney. However, it was during this time that he reportedly engaged in a struggle with officers and subsequently made his escape. Within a mere 20 minutes following his flight, authorities initiated a lockdown of George Washington University Hospital in an attempt to locate the suspect. However, by approximately 8:30 p.m., it was confirmed that Haynes had left the building.
On Thursday, September 7, officials convened a press conference to announce the launch of a manhunt for Haynes. They revealed that multiple law enforcement agencies, including the D.C. police, the U.S. Marshal Service, and the FBI, were actively participating in the search for the homicide suspect.
UPDATE: MPD seeks the public’s assistance in locating Christopher Patrick Haynes who is charged with a homicide and wanted for an escape offense. A video and additional information of a $25,000 reward for his capture is located on our website.
Release: https://t.co/HALSq3qEnV https://t.co/8PXJNGDkM4 pic.twitter.com/c6nPDZDfmu
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) September 8, 2023
Authorities disclosed that a reward of $25,000 is available for anyone who can provide pertinent information regarding Christopher Haynes, with the FBI also offering an additional $10,000 reward.
In a police statement, Haynes was described as a black man with shoulder-length dreads. At the time of his escape, he was seen leaving the hospital wearing a white jumpsuit and one red shoe. However, authorities cautioned that he may have shed the prison uniform and was potentially sporting a black t-shirt and gray shorts underneath. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information related to Christopher Haynes to the appropriate authorities.
