The News Journal
Two prison guards have admitted not following proper procedures before a prisoner escaped from Beebe Medical Center in Lewes last week, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner said today.
The escapee, Calvin B. Harmon, remained at large Tuesday -- his fifth day on the lam.
Minner did not provide details about the procedural violations by the unidentified guards, who were placed on paid administrative leave today.
While the investigation into Harmon’s escape is not complete, the governor’s comments were the first acknowledgement by state officials that the guard’s actions led to the escape.
“It’s all being reviewed right now, but two people have admitted they did not follow the system the way they should have,’’ Minner said.
Harmon, 44, had been in custody Friday after being arrested for felony theft, burglary and other charges in connection with the break-in of a vacation home in Henlopen Acres near Rehoboth Beach.
After complaining of chest pains and shortness of breath, he was taken to Beebe’s emergency room for treatment. Hospital policy requires prisoners to be under guard by two correctional officers -- one in the room and one in the hallway. Clad only in his underwear and metal handcuffs, Harmon slipped away in 28-degree weather.
Minner, interviewed in Legislative Hall during the first day of the General Assembly’s winter session, said Corrections Commissioner Carl C. Danberg had earlier briefed legislative leaders about the escape. Danberg would not comment, saying he would defer to the governor.
While Danberg and other officials are crossing their fingers in hopes that Harmon is captured without anyone being harmed, Minner said Harmon “doesn’t have a record of violence so let’s hope that there isn’t anything.’’
Corrections officials, state and Lewes police and a fugitive task force are looking for Harmon, and Minner said they are hot on his rail.
“One time they got there before [Harmon] got there and someone warned him off so he didn’t go there,’’ the governor said.
Rep. Peter Schwartzkopf, a Rehoboth Democrat and retired state trooper, said he was not one of the legislators briefed, but believes that Harmon, whom he arrested in the past and is nicknamed “Wiggy,’’ is a thief not prone to violence. “But you you never know how somebody is going to react’’ when they are running from the law. The guards who violated procedures should be punished, Schwartzkopf said.
“They didn’t do their jobs. That’s why the policies are there, to keep these things from happening,’’ Schwartzkopf said. “They obviously will need some discipline.’’ Contact senior reporter Cris Barrish at 324-2785 or cbarrish@delawareonline.com.
