U.S. Marshals Capture Bucks Co. Inmate Who Escaped Custody In Philadelphia

DOYLESTOWN, PA — A Bucks County inmate who escaped custody while at a medical appointment in Philadelphia is back in prison and facing a felony charge after being captured by federal marshals in central Pennsylvania.

Bucks County escapee Shawn Dempsey, 57, was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshal’s Service on Friday in Carlisle.

After being transported by Bucks County Corrections to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital and signing an agreement that he would not leave, Dempsey fled during the procedure. A warrant for his arrest was issued on Jan 29.

Dempsey, who was serving a 218-day sentence for violating parole, was permitted by the prison on Jan. 24 to attend medical appointments after signing an agreement that he would not leave the hospital or its grounds without notifying the Department of Corrections.

Bucks County inmate Shawn Dempsey, 57.

On Jan. 27 at 12:30 p.m., officials said Dempsey was transported to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital for an appointment. When correctional officers later returned to the hospital to pick up Dempsey, they learned he had left the hospital after removing his intravenous tubes and walking out of the hospital.

Dempsey was last seen leaving the hospital at the 36th Street exit wearing grey sweatpants and a sweatshirt.

After Dempsey failed to return to the prison, a warrant was issued for Dempsey's arrest. He will now be charged with escape, a felony of the third degree.