Gary Gainard, 47, escaped police custody after being taken to a hospital in Bath and remains at large, according to Avon and Somerset Police. Gainard was arrested in Bristol on Saturday, April 18, for failing to attend court on shop theft charges, police said. Police describe him as around five foot five, white, with short brown hair, and say he has links to south Bristol.
Avon and Somerset Police have launched a search operation, deploying a dog unit and a National Police Air Service helicopter. Authorities are appealing for public assistance to locate Gainard. Police are trying to trace Gainard, wanted for escaping lawful custody, and urge anyone who sees him to call 999 with reference 5226106044.
It is unclear how exactly Gainard escaped from officers at the hospital or what specific medical condition he claimed to have. Police have not disclosed where he is currently believed to be hiding or what security measures were in place during the incident.