Authorities say a patient who escaped from Arizona State Hospital treatment on Saturday is now in the custody of the United States Marshals Service.
Randy Layton, 38, was arrested in Dickinson, North Dakota on Thursday, Phoenix police said. Arrangements are being made to extradite Layton to Arizona.
On Wednesday, police issued a felony warrant for the suspect's arrest for tampering with a monitoring device and escaping.
Great news and fantastic police work:
Sex Offender Randy Layton, who escaped the custody of State Hospital in custody of the US Marshalls.— Sal DiCiccio (@Sal_DiCiccio) May 5, 2017
Layton was at the Red Wok Buffet near 34th Street and Thomas Road as part of a reintroduction program when he fled the area, police said.
Layton reportedly removed a GPS tracker device that was later found discarded near Central and Dunlap avenues.
US Marshals arrested Randy Layton in North Dakota. Thanks to all who helped get the word out. pic.twitter.com/80KNobPooT
— Phoenix Police (@phoenixpolice) May 5, 2017
Officials said he was potentially dangerous and is considered a “moderate risk.”
The Arizona Department of Health Services released the following statement:
Tonight U.S. Marshals apprehended the Arizona Community Protection and Treatment Center patient who fled a treatment activity Saturday night. U.S. Marshals will be responsible for the custody of Randy Layton at this time. The Arizona Department of Health Services thanks the U.S. Marshals and our local law enforcement in their assistance in the capture of Mr. Layton.
The main Arizona State Hospital facility is located near 24th and Van Buren streets.
