A man being treated at the North Bay Regional Health Centre’s psychiatric unit escaped the facility, then fled using a stolen North Bay Hydro truck yesterday at around 1:20 p.m.
Police say the man kicked open a security door, pulled the fire alarm, and then kicked open a second security door before fleeing the hospital on foot.
He then stole an unoccupied North Bay Hydro truck that was parked on the north side of the hospital where hydro service work was being done.
While driving away, he struck a parked jeep, before travelling westbound on Highway 17 West.
OPP stopped the vehicle and arrested him in Wahnapitae at 2:30 that afternoon.
He was taken to the North Bay Police Service headquarters, where he was charged.
Police have charged a 20-year old male patient of the North Bay Regional Health Centre’s psychiatric unit with:
- Mischief under $5,000;
- False alarm of fire;
- Unlawfully at large;
- Theft of motor vehicle;
- Fail to stop at scene of accident; and
- Drive while suspended.
The man remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing today.
