Indiana man wanted after escaping police custody at hospital
GRIFFITH, Ind. - Police in northwest Indiana are searching for a man who allegedly escaped from a hospital after fleeing a traffic stop and attempting to disarm an officer.
Alton West III is wanted on five active felony arrest warrants following the Nov. 7 incident, according to the Griffith Police Department.
Traffic stop leads to police pursuit
What we know:
On Nov. 7, 2026, Griffith police officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by West, who fled onto Interstate 80/94.
Alton West III | Griffith Police Department
Police said West's vehicle became disabled near the Indiana-Illinois state line. He then fled on foot and actively resisted arrest, including allegedly attempting to disarm an officer by grabbing the officer's Taser.
Officers successfully took West into custody.
Following the incident, West was transported to a local hospital for a medical evaluation and was admitted for observation.
While at the hospital, police said West removed his medical equipment and fled the facility without being medically discharged or released from police custody.
Five felony warrants issued
Dig deeper:
West is currently wanted on five active felony arrest warrants, according to police:
- Resisting law enforcement with a motor vehicle (Level 5 felony).
- Disarming a police officer (Level 5 felony).
- Escape from custody (Level 5 felony).
- Resisting law enforcement (Level 6 felony).
- Operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator (Level 6 felony).
Police ask public for help
What you can do:
Anyone with information about West's whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately. According to online court records, West is described as 6 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing 245 pounds.
Police warn the public not to approach West or attempt to apprehend him.
The Source: The information in this report came from the Griffith Police Department.