DC police searching for convict who escaped from hospital

WASHINGTON - D.C. police are continuing their search for a convict who escaped from a hospital in southeast Washington.

Police say 27-year-old Derrick Ross-Simms was previously arrested and charged with carrying a gun without a license and possession of a controlled substance. He is now wanted on a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant for escape.

Police say Ross-Simms was taken to the hospital around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8 for treatment. They did not specify what the treatment was for. 

When Ross-Simms and the officers arrived at the hospital, he was able to escape from the officers and flee on foot. He was last seen in the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, Southeast.

Bryce Peterson, a senior research scientist with CNA, a Washington D.C.-based research organization, explained that escapes like this are not uncommon. 

"This is certainly a tactic we’ve seen in studies that we’ve done on escapes," Peterson said. He pointed out that arrestees often attempt escapes outside of jail or prison because of fewer security measures.

"You’d be surprised to see how many escapes are simply just an opportunity," Peterson added. "Maybe it wasn’t pre-thought out, maybe he actually needed treatment, and while on the scene at the hospital, just saw an opportunity and took it."

While the situation raises concerns for community safety, Peterson reassured that escaped suspects often focus on evading law enforcement rather than harming civilians. "It’s very rare that these kinds of individuals would then use violence against community members because they are so busy focused on just staying out of custody, eluding law enforcement, and finding food and shelter," Peterson said.

Anyone with information on Ross-Simms or his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact MPD at 202-727-9099.