Police nab suspect who escaped from Laurel hospital

LAUREL, Md. (Map, News) - A prisoner who escaped from a hospital early Tuesday after taking a state trooper's gun and firing shots was captured hours later following an intense search, authorities said.

Kamara Mohamed, 39, was found hiding inside a construction trailer a few blocks from Laurel Regional Hospital.

Mohamed had been taken to the hospital Monday afternoon after being arrested on car theft charges and complaining of chest pains. About 3 a.m., he attacked a trooper guarding him at the hospital, grabbing her weapon and fleeing.

As he escaped, Mohamed fired at the trooper, who was not hit, Maryland State Police 1st Sgt. Russell Newell said.

The hospital was locked down, helicopters circled overhead and police stopped motorists to search their vehicles. Students who normally travel by bus to nearby Laurel High School were diverted to a middle school several miles away.

Officers found Mohamed inside the trailer about 9 a.m. after receiving a call from someone who had seen him wandering nearby. He was taken from the trailer at gunpoint. Police said they were still looking for the trooper's stolen weapon.

Mohamed was to receive a medical evaluation before being brought to the state police barracks in College Park, police said.

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