Man Who Escaped Ambulance During Hospital Transport Captured After Hours-Long Search

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — A Portsmouth man who escaped from an ambulance while being transported to a hospital Saturday was taken back into custody later that evening after an hours-long search, according to the Scioto County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff David Thoroughman said Jeremy Copas, 31, had been jailed on a bench warrant for failing to appear in court on a misdemeanor criminal trespassing charge.

While at the Scioto County Jail, deputies said Copas requested medical attention before appearing to become unresponsive. An ambulance was called to transport him to a hospital for evaluation.

Authorities said Copas had been granted a conditional release by a judge, allowing him to receive medical treatment with the understanding that he would return to jail afterward. The sheriff's office said such releases are generally reserved for nonviolent, low-level offenders to reduce taxpayer costs associated with medical care.

During the ambulance transport, near the intersection of Waller and 16th streets in Portsmouth, deputies said Copas jumped from the ambulance and ran from the scene on foot.

Law enforcement officers immediately searched the area, and the sheriff's office issued a public request for assistance in locating him.

Later Saturday evening, authorities confirmed Copas had been located and taken back into custody. Additional details about where he was found or whether he will face additional charges were not immediately released.

The Scioto County Sheriff's Office said the incident remains under investigation.