Indiana Police Search for Man Who Fled Hospital Custody

Police in Griffith, Indiana, are searching for Alton West III after he left a hospital where he was being held for observation following a November 7, 2026, traffic stop and pursuit. He had not been discharged or released from police custody, the department said.

Officers tried to stop West’s vehicle, but he drove onto Interstate 80/94. His vehicle became disabled near the Indiana-Illinois border, and he ran from the scene, police said. During the arrest, he allegedly resisted and grabbed an officer’s Taser in an attempt to take it. Officers took him into custody.

West was brought to a local hospital for medical evaluation and admitted for observation. Police said he removed his medical equipment and left the facility.

He is wanted on five active felony warrants: resisting law enforcement with a motor vehicle, disarming an officer, escape from custody, resisting law enforcement, and driving while classified as a habitual traffic violator. The first three are Level 5 felonies; the other two are Level 6 felonies.

Police urge anyone with information about West’s whereabouts to call 911. They warn the public not to approach him or try to capture him. Court records describe him as 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 245 pounds.