Warrant Issued For Bucks Inmate Who Skipped Out During Medical Appointment

DOYLESTOWN, PA — An arrest warrant has been issued for a Bucks County Correctional Center inmate who escaped custody while at a medical appointment in Philadelphia.

Shawn Patrick Dempsey, who was serving a 218-day sentence for violating parole, was given permission 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.

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 taking out 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.

According to court records, as of Jan. 28, Dempsey had not returned to the prison.

An arrest warrant was issued for Dempsey's arrest. When he's taken into custody, he will be charged with escape, a felony of the third degree.