Man hospitalized after Miami rough arrest escapes while in police custody

MIAMI – Police are searching for a man who they said escaped from a Miami hospital while in custody.

That man, identified as Leskeil Richards, was injured during an arrest on Sunday in Miami.

He was back in the hospital on Monday after he suffered a seizure, his relatives said.

According to police, Richards found the right moment to run away from an officer who was guarding him late Monday afternoon at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

The officer gave chase but Richards got away in a westward direction.

Police set up a perimeter in the area around the hospital. They located Shakeil’s shirt and a cast that he had been wearing on his arm.

Local 10 learned that as of approximately 8 p.m. Monday Richards had not reached out to his family, who said they are concerned and afraid for him.

Loved ones of 25-year-old Richards spoke with Local 10 News Monday night.

“How did this happen?” Iesha Richards, Leskeil’s sister said. “I’m shook.”

WATCH CHRISTIAN DE LA ROSA’S 11PM STORY:

She said she is upset and worried for her brother.

“I don’t understand how this occurred,” Iesha said. “He’s supposed to be in a secure unit. I’m just lost. I just hope he’s in his right state of mind. Now I’m worried.”

Police consider Richards to be dangerous.

They said he was last seen wearing blue pants and may be shirtless.


About the Authors:

Janine Stanwood joined Local 10 News in February 2004 as an assignment editor. She is now a general assignment reporter. Before moving to South Florida from her Washington home, Janine was the senior legislative correspondent for a United States senator on Capitol Hill.

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.