Escaped Prisoner Eludes Police; Newark Cops Searching for Elijah Shabazz

Local authorities are searching for a prisoner who escaped from University Hospital in Newark on Monday, and who may still be in the area.

According to reports, the 46-year-old Elijah Shabazz – who was being held on robbery, burglary and resisting arrest charges - complained of chest pains and was admitted to University Hospital.

Hospital staff discovered him missing on Monday around 11 a.m., and initiated a lock down that was lifted about three hours later.

According to a NJ.com report, two police officers were assigned to guard Shabazz’s room.

Authorities are conducting an investigation into how Shabazz managed to escape.

Patch will provide an update when more information becomes available.