Investigators Review Guards' Actions After Escape
posted 6:25 pm Thu January 03, 2008 - Laurel, Md.
Only one armed officer was guarding 45-year-old Kelvin Poke when the 6-foot, 3-inch, 255-pound inmate made his play, overpowering the guard and grabbing the gun. A second guard, who was not armed, was apparently on a break. Poke had been let out of his handcuffs so he could use the bathroom. Sources tell ABC 7/Newschannel 8 reporter Brad Bell that proper procedure calls for inmates to be guarded by two corrections officers at all times.
A third corrections officer, who was armed and detailed to guard another inmate, also intervened. Poke, holding the gun to the head of the first guard, was able to disarm the other corrections officer and get his gun.Poke opened fire after getting the guns, including shooting off the manacles on his legs. No one was hurt.
A hospital security guard heard the shots and went to the room. Investigators say Poke used the hospital security guard as a human shield, holding a gun to his head as he went down to the first floor of the hospital.
Authorities say once outside, Poke used the weapons to carjack two vehicles during a seven-hour manhunt spanning the District and Prince George's County. He was eventually gunned down by police during a shootout at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Suitland.
The Wednesday escape marked the second time in seven weeks an inmate had gotten away while undergoing treatment at Laurel Regional Hospital.
In November, a prisoner escaped from the Laurel hospital after taking a state trooper's gun and firing shots. He was captured hours later following an intense search.
Maryland state corrections officials say about 800 inmates are taken to hospitals each month for care that goes beyond what prison infirmaries can provide. Officials say they plan to review procedures involving hospitals and guns. Also the actions of the corrections officers will be reviewed and they will be disciplined, if it is called for.
Latest Comment on Investigators Review Guards' Actions After Escape
Icu2qt
6:52 pm on 01/03/08
I have to agree with you Remy. A break while he was supposed to be guarding an inmate? This was inexcusable and the actions of the corrections officers could have caused many lives to be lost.
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