Man arrested following shootout with Bucyrus police escapes from Columbus mental health hospital
The man charged following a Veterans Day shootout with Bucyrus police is being sought by the Ohio Highway Patrol after escaping from a Columbus mental health hospital.
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office was notified Thursday evening that Jacob Dan Davidson, 38, had escaped from Twin Valley Behavioral Health Hospital, 2200 W. Broad St., Columbus, the sheriff's office announced in a news release posted on its Facebook page.
A news release from the Ohio Highway Patrol refers to Davidson as a "dangerous escapee" and seeks the public's help in finding the man.
"Davidson should be considered dangerous," the patrol's news release states. "If spotted, do not approach and contact law enforcement immediately."
Davidson was transferred from the Crawford County Jail to Twin Valley on Dec. 20, according to the sheriff's office news release. A warrant for Davidson’s arrest was expected to be issued out of Franklin County for escape.
It's unknown if Davidson has any weapons, but he should be considered armed and dangerous, according to the sheriff's office. Davidson is described as a white male, 5-foot 11-inches tall, weighing 160 pounds. He has blue eyes and was last known to have brown, unkempt hair with a full beard.
He was last seen wearing a red flannel shirt with a maroon T-shirt underneath, blue sweatpants and black Velcro tennis shoes, according to the patrol's news release.
The patrol is the investigating agency in this escape. Anyone with information on the Davidson's whereabouts should contact the patrol at 614-466-2660. People also can contact local law enforcement or dial 911.
According to records from the Crawford County Common Pleas Court clerk's website, Davidson, 15715 Sinkey Road, Centerburg, was indicted by a grand jury on Nov. 15 on charges of felonious assault, a first-degree felony; disrupting public services, a fourth-degree felony; improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, a fourth-degree felony; and discharging a firearm on or near prohibited premises, a third-degree felony.
He was ordered to be held on a $2 million bond, according to the news release from the sheriff's office.
On Nov. 11, the Crawford County and Morrow County sheriff’s offices responded to shooting incidents in which one person was injured, according to the news release. A suspect vehicle description was broadcast to local law enforcement.
Shortly after receiving that notice, Bucyrus police Officer Devin Wireman spotted a vehicle matching the description, the Telegraph-Forum reported previously. Wireman switched on his cruiser's lights, opened his door and prepared to stop the vehicle at Poplar and West Charles streets, but the SUV continued through the intersection. Wireman followed.
As the SUV approached South Spring Street, the driver stopped, and shots were exchanged before Wireman and Lt. Curt Bursby were able to arrest the shooter, later identified as Davidson.
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Shootout suspect sought after escaping from mental health hospital
