The Phoenix Police Department has confirmed the escape of a sex offender from Arizona State Hospital treatment on Saturday.
Police officers were first alerted to the incident at around 6:30 p.m., near 34th Street and Thomas Road.
The suspect is identified as Randy Layton, who escaped a “regularly scheduled off-site treatment related activity” with the Arizona Community Protection and Treatment Center on Saturday night.
Phoenix Police said that Layton escaped while at the Red Work Buffet on Thomas Road.
37-year-old reportedly dodged hospital staff and removed a GPS tracker. The GPS device was found near Central and Dunlap avenues.
Officials said that the suspect is considered as a moderate risk of potential harm to others.
Sergeant Vince Lewis said that the Phoenix department is “aware” of the incident and is working with the hospital.The suspect is 5 feet, 8 inches tall, brown hair and brown eyes. He weighs 211 pounds.
He has a cross, three dots, "KM" and "Tina" tattooed on his left hand, "ICE", a cross and "Tina" on his left arm, "love" on his right hand and "420" on his left forearm.
Layton was last seen wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and black shorts.
Police have requested people with any information to contact them.
The main Arizona State Hospital facility is located near 24th and Van Buren streets.
The Arizona Community Protection and Treatment Center is a program mandated by the state for men who are "sexually violent persons who have already completed their prison sentence." Treatment, care and supervision are reportedly court ordered.
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