Burglary suspect escapes from local hospital after his arrest, police say

WILKINSBURG, Pa. — Wilkinsburg police are asking the public to be on alert as they continue their search for a man, they consider dangerous.

Officers say 40-year-old Davon Xavier Brown walked out of a UPMC Shadyside hospital Friday without being noticed after being arrested in connection to a series of crimes.

Police believe Brown is tied to recent crime in the Wilkinsburg area.

“Over the past several days, we have had some reports of incidents that have occurred in our area, including burglaries, thefts and the theft of a motor vehicle,” Lt. Chris Duncan with Wilkinsburg police told Channel 11.

Brown was taken into custody Friday, but after arriving at the police station, officers say he appeared to suffer a drug overdose.

Following department policy, they transported him to UPMC Shadyside for medical care.

Lt. Duncan said hospital staff are typically asked to alert their department when a person in custody is ready to be released.

But during a follow-up call on Saturday, an officer was told Brown was no longer at the hospital.

“I guess, prior to treatment, he got up and he ran out of the hospital,” Duncan said.

Police could not confirm whether an officer was assigned to stay with Brown during his hospital visit.

Brown was waiting to be transferred to the Allegheny County Jail.

He faces charges of criminal trespassing, theft and theft of a motor vehicle.

Neighbors in the Shadyside area said they are now more cautious following the incident.

“It’s a little worrying. Gotta watch my back when I’m walking around,” said Christian Herard, who lives in Shadyside.

Another neighbor said they are keeping a close eye on their property.

“The car for sure, it’s in the open parking lot. I’ll have to double check, maybe check at night,” the resident told Channel 11.

In addition to the charges in Wilkinsburg, police said Brown is also wanted on unrelated theft charges in Wilkins Township and North Versailles.

UPMC has not responded to Channel 11’s request for comment.

Police are asking anyone with information on Brown’s whereabouts to contact them immediately.

Brown is described as six feet tall and about 230 pounds.

He was last seen wearing a dark-colored shirt, black and white sweatpants, and white tennis shoes.

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