Before his escape, the suspect, identified as Jose Lopez, had been arraigned on numerous charges stemming from an incident on August 29, during which he allegedly fled from police on a motorcycle, speeding and ultimately crashing in the Bronx.Upon his arrest at Gerard Avenue and East 150th Street, officers discovered that Lopez had drugs, the New York Post reported.
The NYPD has released a surveillance photo of Lopez and is asking for the public’s help in locating him.
Lopez is about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds, police said.
During the virtual court appearance, Lopez, 37, pleaded not guilty to charges including “criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment, obstruction of governmental administration, reckless driving, failure to yield to a pedestrian, leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage, and driving a vehicle on or across a sidewalk.” Judge Daniel Lewis set his bail at $1.
Lopez was receiving treatment at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in Mott Haven, according to the New York Post.
Lopez’s criminal record dates back to 2008, with a total of 16 arrests for various offenses such as robbery, burglary, and drug-related charges. Following his escape on Thursday morning, law enforcement personnel, including K-9 units, conducted an extensive search in the vicinity of the hospital to locate and apprehend him.