A man facing robbery and assault charges in Clark County is on the run after slipping out of Western State Hospital in Lakewood on Tuesday evening, according to authorities. The 35-year-old, identified by police as Joshua Dylan Rice, was being held at the state-run psychiatric facility when he escaped. Officers say he should be considered dangerous and are urging anyone who sees him to call 911 immediately.
What officials say
Clark County officials report that Rice broke out of the hospital at around 8 p.m. on Tuesday. In addition to the pending robbery and assault cases, he is also facing a charge of theft of a motor vehicle. As noted by KATU, Rice also has a criminal history in Multnomah County, Oregon.
About Western State Hospital
Western State Hospital is one of Washington’s largest state psychiatric facilities, sitting on a sizable campus in Lakewood and operated by the Department of Social and Health Services. The department lists the hospital’s address as 9601 Steilacoom Blvd SW and says it provides adult inpatient psychiatric treatment as well as competency restoration services, according to DSHS.
Where he might be
Authorities describe Rice as about 6 feet tall, roughly 185 pounds, with blue eyes. Investigators believe he may have connections in the Salmon Creek area and in North Bend. People in those communities are being asked to stay alert and call 911 if they think they spot him, rather than trying to approach or detain him themselves, per KATU.
Past escapes have raised questions
This is not the first time Western State Hospital has faced scrutiny over patients getting off the grounds. A review by The Seattle Times found dozens of escapes and elopements from the hospital since 2013, prompting calls for tighter security measures and better oversight at the facility.
Possible legal consequences
Leaving a detention facility is not just a bad idea, it is a serious crime in Washington. Escape in the first degree is classified as a Class B felony under state law, and other escape-related offenses are addressed in nearby sections of the statute. According to the Revised Code of Washington, the law on escape in the first degree is codified at RCW 9A.76.110.
If you see him
Officials are asking anyone who spots Rice or has information that could help locate him to call 911 right away and avoid direct contact. Clark County law enforcement is leading the search and coordinating its efforts with Western State Hospital and other agencies.
