CCTV footage released by police shows a murder suspect on the run after escaping from a Washington DC hospital.
A manhunt was launched after Christopher Haynes, 30, escaped from custody at George Washington Hospital.
The 30-year-old was last seen Wednesday around 3:30 p.m. near the hospital in the 900 block of 23rd Street.
The footage, taken shortly after his escape, appears to show Mr Haynes climbing into a fenced garden.
At a news conference, acting D.C. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith confirmed that Mr. Haynes escaped while being transported to the hospital after complaining of a pre-existing ankle injury during his booking process.
While an officer was changing his handcuffs at the hospital, Mr. Haynes physically attacked the officer and fled the scene, Ms. Smith said.
Mr. Haynes is described as a black man, 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 200 pounds, with a medium tan complexion, with shoulder length dreadlocks. He has black hair and brown eyes.
The 30-year-old was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and gray shorts under a white suit.
Police said Mr Haynes had black handcuffs hanging from his right wrist when he escaped from the hospital.
George Washington University canceled all evening events and activities on Wednesday because Mr. Haynes was believed to be in the area.
University employees were advised to teach classes remotely.
University officials also advised the school community to “exercise caution when moving around the Foggy Bottom Campus.”
A police presence is still expected in the area as the search for Mr Haynes continues.
The Metropolitan Police Department is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to Haynes’ arrest.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 202-727-9099. You can submit anonymous information to the department’s TEXT TIPLINE by sending a text message to 50411.
Police have warned people not to interact with Mr Haynes if he is spotted.
