Man who escaped NYPD custody re-arrested during probation meeting: police

NEW YORK (PIX11) – A man who escaped NYPD custody and walked out of the front lobby of a Manhattan hospital was re-arrested after going to his own probation meeting on Monday, police officials said.

Chris Miller, a 23-year-old from the Bronx, managed to evade the NYPD for a couple of days, according to police. He allegedly escaped custody while receiving treatment for a stab wound at a local hospital.

Miller had originally been arrested on Friday after getting into a brawl at a McDonald’s on Eighth Avenue, officials said. Miller received a stab wound to his thigh. Officers also discovered he had an open warrant for a traffic violation.

Miller was placed under arrest and taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment, police said.

While receiving care at the hospital, the physician insisted that the suspect's shackles be removed so he could treat his stab wound. The shackles were removed, and a rookie police officer fresh out of the academy left the room, officials said.

Miller, after being treated, allegedly walked out of the Manhattan hospital, first using a back door in the ICU and then out of the front lobby entrance. He evaded the police throughout the weekend, officials said. 

Police also discovered that Miller was on probation for criminal possession of a firearm, according to officials. The NYPD reached out to his probation officer to schedule a meeting with the suspect. Miller was contacted by his probation officer and showed up to his meeting where he was then re-arrested, police said.

Miller has been charged with third-degree escape, a misdemeanor.

The NYPD rookie who was watching Miller at the time when he fled is receiving disciplinary actions by the department, officials said.

This story comprises reporting from PIX11's Charline Charles.