By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

A 22-year-old suspect has escaped police custody following a visit to the Princess Margaret Hospital Saturday night, The Tribune has learned.

Supt Stephen Dean confirmed that an incident did happen, but said information was still sketchy and the circumstances are still unclear.

The Tribune understands the suspect, Victron Burrows, was being treated at the hospital around 9.30 Saturday night when he escaped police custody.

Sources say Burrows was being seen by a doctor who insisted the hand cuffs be removed for treatment. Once the restraints were taken off, the suspect fled on foot.

Investigations are continuing into this matter.

In June, a 17-year-old murder suspect also escaped while at the hospital.

In that incident police say the suspect was receiving medical treatment on Male Surgical Ward 1 for head injuries.

He managed to steal a handcuff key from the sleeping officer who was guarding him.

Before this incident, at least two other escapes occurred.

Police constable Herman Pinder was shot and critically injured by a prisoner who disarmed him after asking that his cuffs be released so that he could use the bathroom.

Police report that after the prisoner’s handcuffs were unlocked, the officer was shot.

Reginald Chase, 25, was accused of the shooting. Hours later he was captured on Bimini Avenue. Police said he has since been charged with attempted murder.

At the time Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said the force would change its policy regarding the transport of suspects to and from the hospital.

Mr Greenslade said that the new procedure would ensure that no officer would have to transport suspects alone.

Despite a short staffed Force, the commissioner said back-up would be made available as officers also would be stationed at the hospital.

Dr Duane Sands, former Senator and Emergency Room Doctor, said there needs to be a separate facility for prisoners to be treated.

“They need to be treated separately,” he said.

“There needs to be a facility in the emergency room for prisoners. They need a separate ward complete with a bullet proof glass. It may sound like a lot but it is the reality we live in, in this Bahamas. This needs to happen. We need to make physical changes to avoid danger to staff, family members and other patients. I appreciate this is not something that will happen today, but it needs to happen sooner rather than later.”