Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 17, 2026
A handcuffed prisoner escaped from Temple Hospital early Thursday morning, evading custody for approximately 90 minutes. Law enforcement quickly coordinated efforts to locate and recapture the 51-year-old man, who slipped out of his restraints. The incident underscores the importance of security measures in medical facilities housing prisoners.
Philadelphia
Handcuffed Prisoner Briefly Escapes Temple Hospital, Recaptured by SEPTA Police
A 51-year-old man in police custody briefly escaped from Temple Hospital early Thursday morning but was recaptured by SEPTA Police approximately 90 minutes later.
Details of the Escape and Recapture
The incident occurred when the man, who was handcuffed, managed to slip out of his restraints and flee the hospital. He remained at large for about an hour and a half before being apprehended by officers from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Police Department.
Law Enforcement Response
Authorities quickly initiated a search following the escape. The prompt recapture highlights the coordinated efforts of law enforcement in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the escape occur?
- The escape occurred early Thursday morning.
- Where did the escape take place?
- The escape took place at Temple Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Who escaped?
- A 51-year-old man in police custody escaped.
- How long was the prisoner at large?
- The prisoner was at large for approximately 90 minutes.
- Who recaptured the escaped prisoner?
- The escaped prisoner was recaptured by SEPTA Police.
Key Details of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of Escape | Temple Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Date/Time of Escape | Early Thursday morning |
| Escaped Individual’s Age | 51-year-old man |
| Escape Method | Slipped out of handcuffs |
| Duration of Escape | Approximately 90 minutes |
| Recapturing Authority | SEPTA Police |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
