WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Authorities are crediting security cameras installed at Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital with helping them identify subjects of an Amber Alert.
Video surveillance footage shows alleged kidnapper, Walter Lewis, 21, and his victim, Jenea Patterson, 16, entering the hospital around 9:30 p.m., and being escorted out of the building 45 minutes later.
The security officer who escorted them noticed that they fit the description provided by an Amber Alert, Times Leader reports.
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The security personnel then contacted the police.
Police then reviewed surveillance video at the hospital and identified Lewis and Patterson. A short while later, local law enforcement officers were able to locate the Lewis and Patterson in an adjacent parking garage.
Police say Lewis fled on foot and was nearly struck by a vehicle. He was then stunned with a Taser by one of the responding officers.
Lewis remains jailed at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility for lack of $300,000 total bail on kidnapping, simple assault, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and several firearm offenses.
Hospital administrators and security management praised security personnel for how they worked with law enforcement in Lewis’ apprehension.
