Suspect Recaptured After Escape at N.M. Hospital

Feb. 19, 2013
The man bolted during an X-ray at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center.

Feb. 19--A burglary suspect briefly escaped from custody in Santa Fe on Sunday afternoon when he dodged law enforcement officers during a medical test at the hospital.

James Payne, 33, bolted around 1 p.m. during an X-ray at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, where he was taken after being arrested by Santa Fe County sheriff's deputies.

Payne took off on foot and made his way to nearby St. Michael's High School.

He was found under a stairwell at the school about 45 minutes after his escape.

Payne made his move when a sheriff's deputy in the X-ray room averted his attention "for a split second" to "get some items that he had taken into the room," sheriff's Capt. Adan Mendoza said.

At the time, Payne's hands were handcuffed in front of him in preparation for the X-ray.

State and city police and hospital security were called in, and a barrier was set up around the hospital.

However, law enforcement officers were soon notified by a St. Michael's staffer that Payne was at the school.

Payne was taken into custody again around 1:45 p.m.

Payne was initially detained after getting into a fight at Santa Fe Place mall early Sunday afternoon.

Sheriff's deputies recognized Payne as a suspect in a burglary at Tierra Real Mobile Home Park on Airport Road that deputies had responded to earlier that morning.

Payne complained of injuries related to the fight, including shoulder problems, and was taken to Christus St. Vincent. Medical staff recommended the X-ray.

The deputy "took his eyes off Payne for a second and then Payne took off through the exit of the X-ray room," Mendoza said.

Payne is currently in jail on the initial charges of burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia and the latter charge of escape from custody.

Copyright 2013 - Albuquerque Journal, N.M.

Sponsored Recommendations

Build Your Real-Time Crime Center

March 19, 2024
A checklist for success

Whitepaper: A New Paradigm in Digital Investigations

July 28, 2023
Modernize your agency’s approach to get ahead of the digital evidence challenge

A New Paradigm in Digital Investigations

June 6, 2023
Modernize your agency’s approach to get ahead of the digital evidence challenge.

Listen to Real-Time Emergency 911 Calls in the Field

Feb. 8, 2023
Discover advanced technology that allows officers in the field to listen to emergency calls from their vehicles in real time and immediately identify the precise location of the...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Officer, create an account today!