Escaped Psych Ward Patient Facing Attempted Murder Charge

The Heath Police Department says the man who escaped from a nursing home psych ward in Heath is accused of attempted murder in Scioto County.  The escape happened around 5:15 Thursday morning at the Heath Nursing and Convalescent Home at 717 South 30th Street.  Police say a window in the room of  53-year-old John Stroud was found broken out.  Police says Stroud is accused of the attempted murder charge after a standoff with authorities in Portsmouth on January 19th of 2011 where Stroud is accused of shooting at Scioto County Sheriff’s deputies.  Stroud also faces felonious assault and indicting panic charges in that case. Stroud is described as a white male, with balding blond hair. He is around 6 feet tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing red shorts and a gray hooded sweatshirt. Stroud has a bad limp and his mannerisms make him appear like he is intoxicated. A man matching Stroud’s description was last seen walking north on South 30th street in the Claren Drive Area. Stroud has a history of violence and should be considered dangerous. If you see him call 9-1-1.  Police says Stroud has no known contacts in the area.  Authorities late Thursday morning announced that Stroud is an avid outdoorsman and may be heading to a wooded area in an attempt to avoid capture. Surrounding police agencies have been contacted and put on alert to be on the lookout for Stroud.  The Ohio State Highway Patrol is utilizing their air units to aid in the search of the suspect.  Heath Schools Superintendent Tom Forman says the four-school district was notified of the escape around 7 a,m. and closed schools as a safety precaution.  An elementary school in the neighboring Newark district was placed on a two-hour delay.