Inmate Jose Lopez, a career criminal with a long rap sheet, managed to escape from police custody at NYC Health and Hospitals/Lincoln in Mott Haven. This daring escape occurred just minutes after he appeared virtually in front of a Bronx judge. Lopez had been arraigned on various charges, including reckless driving and drug possession, after allegedly speeding and crashing a motorcycle while fleeing from the police in the Bronx.

During the incident on August 29, Lopez led officers on a wild chase after they attempted to pull him over. He was eventually apprehended on Gerard Avenue and East 150 Street, where he was found in possession of drugs. Following his arrest, Lopez faced charges such as criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless endangerment, obstruction of governmental administration, and reckless driving.

Despite pleading not guilty to the charges during his arraignment, Bronx judge Daniel Lewis set his bail at $1 cash. Lopez, who has accumulated 16 arrests since 2008 for offenses including robbery, burglary, and drug charges, managed to escape from the hospital shortly after the court appearance. Law enforcement authorities, including police and K-9 units, mobilized in the area to search for him.

A photo released by the NYPD depicts Lopez in hospital attire before his escape. Described as 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, Lopez is currently at large. The public is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS with any information regarding his whereabouts. The circumstances surrounding Lopez’s escape remain unclear, and authorities are working diligently to locate and apprehend him.