WASHINGTON — The attempted murderer who escaped Friday while being transferred to a Maryland psychiatric prison continues to elude law enforcement.
In a Monday update, Howard County police said the U.S. Marshals Service has taken the lead in the search for David M. Watson, who was being transported to Clifton T. Perkins hospital in Jessup, Maryland, on April 28.
David Watson, 28, was being transported to Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center in Jessup, Maryland, around 9:45 a.m. when he escaped custody and fled into a wooded area. (Courtesy Howard County police)
\n","caption":"David Watson, 28, was being transported to Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center in Jessup, Maryland, around 9:45 a.m. when he escaped custody and fled into a wooded area. (Courtesy Howard County police)\n"},{"type":"photo","media":"
\n","caption":"David Watson, 28, has “EVIL” tattooed across the back of his neck. (Courtesy Howard County Police Department)\n"},{"type":"photo","media":"
\n","caption":"Watson also has his name tattooed on his arm. (Courtesy Howard County Police Department)\n"},{"type":"photo","media":"
\n","caption":"“187” and “Sin” are tattooed on Watson’s arm. (Watson also has his name tattooed on his arm. (Courtesy Howard County Police Department)\n"},{"type":"ad","media":"
Police said they have no confirmed sightings of Watson, despite using bloodhounds, police dogs and helicopters with heat-seeking technology.
Watson was being transported by two guards from the Wicomico County Detention Center when he pushed a guard and ran into the woods.
Investigators found handcuffs and a waist chain near the van, and articles of Watson’s clothing in the woods.
Prison and police officials have not addressed whether they believe Watson hid a key during his transfer, or how he was able to get out of his restraints.
In addition, police have not said whether they think Watson had help in executing his escape.
Watson, 28, was serving a sentence of more than 100 years in a correctional facility in Delaware for attempted murder.
He is also charged in Maryland with attempted murder of law enforcement officers in Wicomico County, but was found not competent to stand trial.
He had been periodically transferred to Perkins, where doctors would offer observations of his mental health.
Howard County police officers were visiting businesses Monday in the Jessup area, handing out fliers and asking businesses to check their properties, vans, trucks, buildings, and security footage for possible break-ins or sightings of someone matching Watson’s description.
Watson is described as a white male, 5 feet eight inches tall, and 150 pounds. He has face tattoos between his eyes and under his right eye, and numerous body tattoos, including “EVIL” on the back of his neck and “SIN” on his hand.
Anyone who sees Watson is asked to dial 911 immediately.
The post No sign of escaped prisoner; US Marshals to lead search appeared first on WTOP.
