By EMIL WHITIS
Daily Press Staff Writer
A 21-year-old Artesia man with a criminal history escaped from the custody of Artesia Police Department officers on Tuesday night.
Mark A. Robbins was arrested at 12:05 p.m., Tuesday and charged with being a fugitive from justice for a burglary he allegedly committed in Mississippi.
Hours after being booked at the Artesia Detention Center, he complained of intense shoulder pain and was transported to Artesia General Hospital for treatment.
APD Sgt. Lindell Smith said at the hospital he was unshackled so the medical staff could conduct routine tests. Robbins seized the opportunity for escape and exited the building. He continued to run through the AGH parking lot toward 13th Street.
Soon after, he was located in the back yard of a residence at 615 N. 13th St. running northbound through yards and jumping fences. Police caught up to Robbins as he was hiding in the backyard of a residence located at 703 N. 13th St. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.
