Bucks County Inmate Captured After Escaping Custody at Philadelphia Hospital

The 57-year-old was serving a 218-day sentence for parole violation when he fled during a medical appointment.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A Bucks County inmate named Shawn Dempsey, 57, escaped custody while at a medical appointment at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia in late January. Dempsey had been transported to the hospital by correctional officers after signing an agreement that he would not leave. However, he removed his intravenous tubes and walked out of the hospital, leading to a warrant for his arrest. Dempsey was later captured by U.S. Marshals in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and will now face an additional felony charge of escape.

Why it matters

Inmate escapes from custody are a serious concern for the criminal justice system, as they pose risks to public safety and require significant law enforcement resources to track down and apprehend the individual. This incident highlights the challenges of transporting inmates to outside medical facilities and the need for robust security protocols to prevent such escapes.

The details

Shawn Dempsey, 57, was serving a 218-day sentence for violating parole at the Bucks County Correctional Facility. On January 24, he was permitted by the prison to attend medical appointments at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital after signing an agreement that he would not leave the hospital or its grounds without notifying the Department of Corrections. However, on January 27 at 12:30 pm, Dempsey removed his intravenous tubes and walked out of the hospital, fleeing the scene. A warrant was then issued for his arrest.

  • On January 24, Dempsey was permitted to attend medical appointments at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.
  • On January 27 at 12:30 pm, Dempsey removed his intravenous tubes and fled the hospital.
  • On January 29, a warrant was issued for Dempsey's arrest.

The players

Shawn Dempsey

A 57-year-old inmate at the Bucks County Correctional Facility who was serving a 218-day sentence for violating parole.

Bucks County Correctional Facility

The prison where Dempsey was serving his sentence.

University of Pennsylvania Hospital

The hospital where Dempsey was receiving medical treatment and from which he escaped.

U.S. Marshals Service

The federal law enforcement agency that captured Dempsey after his escape.

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What’s next

Dempsey will now face an additional felony charge of escape on top of his original parole violation sentence.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for prisons and hospitals to have robust security protocols in place when transporting and monitoring inmates receiving outside medical care, in order to prevent such escapes and maintain public safety.