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POLICE in Washington state hunted for a criminally insane killer overnight, after he escaped from care while on a mental hospital field trip to an amusement park, sparking public outrage.
The Spokane County Sheriff’s office said it was to continue a helicopter and land search for Phillip Paul, acting on “scores” of citizen tip-offs since he was reported missing on Thursday.
Paul escaped minders at a local fair, prompting a barrage of criticism from the public who questioned why a man with such a violent past would be allowed to roam the streets.
A patient at the Eastern State Hospital, he was acquitted by reason of insanity in the 1987 murder of an elderly woman.
The manhunt has drawn in local police and state prison officials, who have trawled hobo encampments and posted notices at train stations, airports and bus terminals.
The state’s Department of Social Health Services indicated that Paul’s medication “should keep him stable for 14 days,” according to police. A union representing workers at the hospital that was holding Paul has echoed public criticism of the policy that lead to his escape.
“The Washington Federation of State Employees have repeatedly over the years opposed the administration policies and practices that allow the kinds of ‘field trips’ like the one Paul took to the fair,” a union statement said.
“They believe he was an extreme escape risk and the administration should never have allowed him on the field trip.
“The workers have unsuccessfully fought to stop the outings for murderers, rapists and pedophiles committed to the hospital as criminally insane.”
An arrest warrant has been issued for Paul for failing to meet the terms of his commitment.
