A burglary suspect who escaped police custody at an Oklahoma hospital contributed to a patient’s death, according to a coroner.
Jimmy McCoy, 25, was transported to the Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City after he had a seizure while being arrested following a suspected burglary.
While in police custody at the hospital, McCoy asked to go the bathroom. An officer removed his handcuffs so he could use the bathroom in his hospital room.
When the officer turned around, McCoy ran out and barricaded himself in the room of another patient, 48-year-old Reginald Morrisey. He had been admitted to the hospital back in February after suffering a stroke, reports Fox25 News.
McCoy stood on top of Morrisey’s body in his hospital bed in an attempt to escape through ceiling tiles. Police gained access to the room and pepper sprayed McCoy.
McCoy then attempted to break through the sixth-floor window but was subsequently apprehended.
Morrisey was transported to the hospital’s emergency room but died five days later.
The Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled Morrisey’s death a homicide.
A report from the medical examiner’s office says Morrisey’s cause of death was a pulmonary thromboembolism which is caused by a blood clot in the arteries of the lungs. The report also listed “hospital care compromised by fleeing suspect” as a contributing factor in his death.
Oklahoma City Police said the officer was justified in removing the handcuffs and did not violate any department policies.
According to KFOR, McCoy remains in jail on multiple charges including assault, attempted burglary, domestic assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, attempted escape from custody, larceny of an automobile, malicious injury and destruction of property, and threatening to perform an act of violence.
The case will be presented to the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office to determine if any charges will be filed.
