Inmate escapes during hospital visits in Roermond and Utrecht; One still at large
Two inmates escaped custody during separate hospital visits on Friday in Roermond and Utrecht, authorities said. According to AD, tne man remains at large.
In Roermond, a detainee identified by Dutch media as Lile H., described as a repeat drug offender, escaped Friday morning after being transported from a prison to Laurentius Hospital. The Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) confirmed the incident.
A DJI spokesperson said the inmate was escorted by three officers from the Transport and Support Service (DV&O). “Upon leaving the hospital, he saw the opportunity to remove himself from the supervision of the three DV&O officers,” the spokesperson said. “We are investigating how this could have happened.”
Police are searching for the suspect, including with a specialized investigative unit. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) said the man has been flagged internationally but “does not pose a danger to his immediate surroundings.”
AD reported that the detainee is a repeatedly convicted drug criminal linked to international smuggling. DJI and OM spokespersons said they could not confirm that information.
Earlier the same day in Utrecht, another detainee escaped during a hospital visit after overpowering his escorts and taking a firearm. He was recaptured later that evening following a hourslong manhunt. According to the DJI spokesperson, no firearm was involved in the Roermond escape.
