Police: Murder suspect escapes W. Va. psychiatric hospital
PITTSBURGH -- Authorities are looking for a murder suspect who escaped from a West Virginia psychiatric hospital, reports CBS Pittsburgh.
The Brooke County, W. Va. sheriff confirmed to the station that police are looking for 30-year-old Rocco Zuccaro. Facing first-degree murder charges, he was undergoing evaluation to see whether he is competent to stand trial, according to the sheriff.
Zuccaro was accused of killing Jason Pratz last year. He was being held at Sharpe Psychiatric Hospital in Weston, W. Va, according to CBS Pittsburgh.
After he allegedly scaled a wall late Monday, police used tracking dogs and a helicopter to try to find him. Authorities say that Zuccaro, originally from Burgettstown, Pa., may be heading to Washington County in Pennsylvania.
"He's very capable of planning, if he's out on the run, he's very capable of making his way through the woods and stealing clothing or whatever he needs to do to stay out in the woods for a while," Brooke County Sheriff Chuck Jackson told the station. "And he's very capable of eluding the police. I believe Rocco Zuccaro is a very plotting, controlling person. I know there have been times when he's been evaluated for his psychological well being."
Zuccaro's family refused to comment on the situation, reports CBS Pittsburgh.
Zuccaro is being described as 6 feet tall, 170 pounds with glasses and a mustache. He was reportedly last seen wearing black pants with a rip on the left leg and a dark pullover.