WASHINGTON—In a dramatic turn of events, police have successfully apprehended Christopher Haynes, a murder suspect who had escaped custody back in September. The escape had prompted a lengthy shelter-in-place order at George Washington University, leaving the campus on high alert.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department announced that the U.S. Marshals Service’s Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Haynes on Thursday in Oxon Hill, Maryland, not far from where he had initially been captured.
Haynes, who was originally arrested on September 6 in connection with the murder of Brent Hayward at a gas station in northeast D.C., managed to flee shortly after complaining of an ankle injury while being taken to George Washington University Hospital.
A Secret Service officer searches the area after Christopher Haynes escaped custody at George Washington University Hospital in Washington on Sept. 6, 2023. (Craig Hudson/The Washington Post via AP)
During the process of being handcuffed to a hospital gurney, Haynes reportedly assaulted an officer and managed to flee, triggering the shelter-in-place order on the university campus. The ensuing manhunt lasted for hours as law enforcement searched for the fugitive. MPD Chief Pamela Smith later admitted that the officers had failed to properly secure Haynes, allowing him the opportunity to escape.
Authorities later released a home surveillance video capturing Haynes immediately after his escape. The footage showed him walking through a backyard area, dressed in a black t-shirt and grey briefs. Despite a $30,000 reward offered for information leading to his capture, Haynes managed to evade capture for nearly two months.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed the details of how they ultimately tracked down Haynes, nor have they commented on whether anyone aided him in remaining hidden during his time on the run. In addition to the murder charges, Haynes will now face additional charges related to his escape.
By Ashraf Khalil
What impact did Haynes’ escape have on George Washington University?
“>10/27/2023
After his escape, Haynes remained on the run for over a month, as authorities conducted an extensive search to locate him. The escape also resulted in a lockdown at George Washington University, with students and staff being urged to stay indoors and be vigilant.
The arrest came as a result of collaboration between the Washington Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service’s Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. The task force had been actively pursuing leads and conducting surveillance in order to apprehend Haynes.
According to officials, Haynes was found hiding out in an apartment in a residential area of Oxon Hill. After confirming his identity, law enforcement officers surrounded the apartment and successfully apprehended Haynes without incident. He was then taken into custody and transported back to the Metropolitan Police Department for processing.
The recapture of Haynes brings closure to the escaped murder suspect case and lifts the lockdown at George Washington University. Students and staff can now resume their normal activities and feel a sense of relief knowing that the suspect is back in custody.
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department expressed gratitude to all the agencies and individuals who assisted in locating and apprehending Haynes. The successful collaboration highlights the effectiveness of teamwork and coordination in law enforcement efforts.
Authorities have assured the public that they will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Haynes’ escape and take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Haynes will now face additional charges related to his escape as well as the murder of Brent Hayward. It is anticipated that he will appear in court in the coming days to face these charges.
The recapture of a murder suspect who had escaped custody is a significant achievement for law enforcement and provides reassurance to the community. It serves as a reminder of the dedication and tenacity of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety and security of the public.
As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge regarding the specifics of Haynes’ escape and any potential accomplices. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.
Introduction
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department has successfully recaptured Christopher Haynes, a murder suspect who had escaped custody in September. The escape resulted in a campus lockdown at George Washington University and prompted an extensive search to locate him.
The Arrest
Haynes was arrested on Thursday in Oxon Hill, Maryland, not far from where he had initially been captured. The U.S. Marshals Service’s Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force collaborated with the Washington Metropolitan Police Department to apprehend Haynes. After locating him hiding in an apartment, law enforcement officers surrounded the premises and successfully took him into custody without incident.
Impact on George Washington University
The escape of Haynes had led to a lengthy shelter-in-place order at George Washington University. The campus was on high alert, and students and staff were urged to stay indoors. The recapture of Haynes now lifts the lockdown, allowing the university community to resume their normal activities with a sense of relief and security.
Gratitude and Next Steps
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department expressed gratitude to all the agencies and individuals who assisted in locating and apprehending Haynes.
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