CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A man being treated at a Charlotte hospital allegedly tried to escape through the ceiling, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Charlotte Medic confirmed the initial response on Sunday, saying the incident began as a medical call. “One person went to Atrium Health University with non-life-threatening medical conditions,” the agency said.
According to Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin, the man, described by DHS as a “criminal illegal alien from Mexico,” experienced a panic attack and was transported to the hospital.
McLaughlin said that while there, “he attempted to escape by climbing into the ceiling tiles from the hospital bathroom. He was unsuccessful and was apprehended inside the ceiling by law enforcement. He has a prior arrest for assault.”
The incident unfolded as federal authorities continue Operation Charlotte’s Web, an immigration enforcement effort recently launched across the Queen City.
In a statement to Queen City News, a DHS spokesperson said, “During the first two days of Operation Charlotte’s Web, Border Patrol arrested over 130 illegal aliens who have all broken the immigration laws of our country.”
The spokesperson detailed some of the criminal histories among those arrested, saying they include “known gang membership, aggravated assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, felony larceny, simple assault, hit and run, possession of stolen goods, shoplifting, DUI, DWI, and illegal re-entry after prior deportation, a felony.”
Authorities have not reported any injuries related to the attempted ceiling escape, and the individual involved was taken back into custody without further incident.