Posted on: Monday, July 16, 2001

Two more escape from State Hospital

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i State Hospital, plagued by escapes this year, lost two patients yesterday. One was back in custody shortly after 8 p.m.

The first man, Michael McDonald, 37, escaped from the hospital yesterday afternoon. Hospital staff gave him a grounds pass at noon. When he had not returned as directed at 1 p.m. hospital staff searched the grounds and then reported him to police as an escapee.

McDonald is not considered dangerous. He was wearing a green, long sleeve shirt and dark pants when last seen. He is 5' 10" tall and weighs 212 pounds.

The second escapee, 32-year-old Stephen Roland, had been given a pass at 1 p.m. to go unescorted to the gym.

After he did not return at 3:30 p.m., the hospital reported his escape to police.

Roland was arrested about 8:15 p.m. by Pearl City police, who found him at his parents' home.

Detectives said he, too, was not considered dangerous.

In addition to the two escapes yesterday, there have been 10 escapes from the hospital since January. There were 16 escapes last year.

Paul Guggenheim, the new administrator of the hospital who takes over Sept. 17, has said security will be one of his top concerns.