by Bill Parry
A prisoner who gave police the slip Friday at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in the Rockaways, was back in custody by Saturday night, according to the NYPD.
George Gordon, 36, had been arrested and charged with shoplifting at a CVS pharmacy at Beach 20th St. in the Rockaways around 6 p.m., police said. Gordon was then taken to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway after complaining of an asthma condition, police said. After requesting water from an officer that was guarding him, Gordon slipped out of his handcuffs and escaped just after 11 p.m., according to cops.
Police said Gordon was apprehended around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, but authorities said he hadn’t gotten very far in nearly 24 hours. Police said Gordon was taken into custody at a Far Rockaway residence at 3-20 Beach 19th St., right across the street from the hospital.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
