Patient in custody after escaping from Mental Health Complex

WAUWATOSA -- Milwaukee County Sheriff's officials say a 47-year-old male patient from the Behavioral Health Division is back in custody after they say he escaped in a food service truck.

Officials say an ambulance was called to transport the man to the hospital, when he escaped from the ambulance and jumped into a food service truck that was running while the operator was in the back of the truck. The man drove off, hitting a chain link fence. 

Officials say the man then jumped the fence and fled on foot.

A family member saw the man and picked him up nearby, but he jumped out the car near 107th and Heather in Milwaukee.  

The man's relative flagged down a Milwaukee police officer, who transported him to St. Joseph’s Hospital for medical clearance.  

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the hospital and took the man into custody.
 
The operator of the food service truck complained of minor injuries.

The man was arrested and is being charged with Operating Without Owners Consent and Reckless Endangering Safety.