Search for Escaped Psych Patient

A man who escaped from a nursing home psych ward in Heath is accused of attempted murder in Scioto County.

Chief of the Heath Police Department Tony Shepherd said around 5:15 Thursday morning 53-year-old John Stroud broke the window in his room at the Heath Nursing and Convalescent Home on South 30th Street.  Shepherd said that Stroud’s last run-in with the law happened in January of 2011 in Scioto County.

"During the encounter, he became combative and was tasered by a law enforcement officer," said Shepherd.  "He reached for a firearm, and when he did so, he was shot by a Scioto County deputy and sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.  He was found to be incompetent to stand trial, so he was released."

Shepherd said police were not notified that Stroud was living in the nursing home, which he said does not have ample security.

"It has happened more than once, and now it’s been one time too many," said Shepherd.  "I had a discussion with the mayor this morning, and we’re going to mount an effort to keep them from accepting patients like that."

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is utilizing its air units to aid in the search for Stroud.  He’s described as a white male with balding blonde hair, about six feet tall and 200 pounds.  Stroud walks with a limp and his mannerisms make him appear as though he’s intoxicated.  Anyone with information regarding Stroud’s whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1.