Police to look into how inmate gave 2 officers the slip at Toronto hospital
Police are conducting an internal review, after an inmate escaped from custody Wednesday at Mount Sinai Hospital
Andrew Smith made his escape just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, said Toronto Police spokesperson Jeniffer Sidhu.
The man was last seen fleeing through the hospital's University Avenue doors, she said.
Smith, 36, was being held in custody after he was arrested on March 7 for weapons dangerous and threatening death to a University of Toronto security guard.
The man was taken to Mount Sinai after complaining of medical problems, Sidhu said. He made his escape after receiving treatment.
'Considered dangerous'
Police have issued a warrant for Smith's arrest.
He's described as 5'-11" and 130 pounds, with a receding brown hairline and glasses. He was last seen wearing a navy blue sweater, brown pants and dark shoes.
"If anyone sees this man do not approach him. Call 911," said Sidhu.
"He is considered dangerous."
Professional standards review
Sidhu said Toronto Police is conducting an internal review, which will look at the officers' actions and the overall process for providing hospital escorts to people in custody.
She said the review was prompted by Wednesday's escape, as well as another incident earlier this year.
In late January, a 39-year-old man escaped police custody at Toronto General Hospital.
He was later recaptured after a member of the public tipped off police.
The review is being conducted by the Professional Standards unit, which is in charge of "promoting and supporting professionalism throughout the organization," according to the police website.
Sidhu said Smith was known to police.
She asks anyone who might have witnessed anything from the scene on Wednesday to contact police.
