Mental patient escapes New York hospital on birthday, only to be nabbed next day

A dangerous mental patient, Christopher Morgan, who believed he was the “King and Queen of Ireland,” was captured after a violent escape from Garnet Health Medical Center in Middletown, Orange County. Morgan was apprehended about 20 miles from the hospital when a vigilant onlooker spotted him outside a Port Jervis gas station on Friday morning.

After his daring escape on his 40th birthday, Morgan allegedly attacked a 74-year-old hospital worker, leaving her in need of multiple stitches, and stole her badge. Surveillance footage showed him sprinting down the hospital hallway during the incident.

Following the escape, authorities received numerous tips from concerned locals, leading to Morgan’s eventual recapture. Police had warned the public to avoid approaching him for safety reasons.

Prior to his escape, Morgan had made bomb threats against several police departments and an army recruitment station in Wallkill. During a bizarre phone call from the Behavioral Unit at the hospital, Morgan claimed to be the “King and Queen of Ireland” and the creator of the American flag. He also stated that he was “700-2,000 years old” and expressed anger over the alleged death of Queen Elizabeth, seeking revenge.

As a result of the threats, New York State Police had obtained a temporary extreme risk protection order against Morgan, prohibiting him from possessing firearms. Following his capture, Morgan was charged with robbery for the escape and making a terroristic threat related to the earlier phone calls. He was arraigned in Middletown County Court and held on $250,000 cash bail.

Morgan, diagnosed with schizophrenia, exhibited delusional beliefs and erratic behavior leading up to his escape. The incident underscores the challenges of managing and treating individuals with severe mental health conditions in a healthcare setting.