Nude Hospital Escapee Attacked Homeowner With Hammer: Police

NEWBURYPORT, MA — An Amesbury man was charged with attempted murder after allegedly running away naked from the hospital, breaking into a man's home, and attacking the homeowner with a hammer.

Police said Robert Girard, 26, removed IVs and a GPS ankle bracelet Thursday night and escaped Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport. Police searched for Girard, but couldn't find him.

At 2 a.m. Friday, police were called back to talk to a woman who said a man broke into her home and attacked her partner with a hammer. The home was on Rawson Ave., just feet from the hospital.

The victim, a 50-year-old Newburyport man, was treated at Anna Jaques Hospital and released Friday.

Police found Girard still unclothed on Lois Street. He was arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and aggravated burglary. He was additionally held on a probation warrant.

Girard was scheduled to be arraigned Friday in Salem District Court.

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