Man accused of kidnapping patient at Lehigh Regional Medical Center

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WINK News

Lehigh Regional Medical Center was on lockdown Saturday afternoon after a man allegedly kidnapped a patient and fled the scene, authorities say.

Deputies pursued the suspect who fled in a vehicle. They eventually caught the suspect who is now in police custody.

Residents who live nearby say they’re shocked.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard of someone being kidnapped from the hospital. Was it someone they knew? Was it a stranger? You’re really not safe anywhere anymore,” said Delores Adams. “How in the world would they kidnap somebody from a hospital? That’s unheard of around here.”

Neighbors say that after the man took off in his car, deputies chased him for over six miles before finally stopping on Haviland Avenue South.

“There were about five police cars. All at a different angle surrounding the vehicle. And as they were loading it up, they were taking pictures of the vehicle,” said witness Brian Donnelly.

Others inside the hospital say the alleged kidnapper was then brought back to the hospital.

“The cops came in with a guy strapped down to a gurney type of thing,” said witness Shauna Grove. “They were like “wait, there’s a really, really dangerous man right there.” And then they said they were going to be taking him to jail.”

Now, the crime that took place inside what many thought was a safe haven is leaving some neighbors feeling anxious.

“You’re really not safe anywhere anymore,” Adams said.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says they’re still working to gather more information on this case.

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