Authorities have successfully recaptured Christopher Haynes, a murder suspect who escaped police custody while receiving treatment at George Washington University Hospital approximately two months ago. The escape triggered a widespread manhunt and a substantial reward for information leading to his capture.
Haynes, aged 30, had been arrested on September 6 in Manassas, Virginia, in connection with the fatal shooting of Brent Hayward on August 12. He was transported to the hospital for medical attention after complaining of ankle pain due to a prior injury.
During his hospital stay, while officers were changing Haynes’ handcuffs to secure him to a gurney in a hallway, he physically assaulted one of the officers and managed to flee, according to the police account. Despite a pursuit by both officers, Haynes made his escape.
The incident prompted an extensive search operation in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, causing disruption for nearby George Washington University students and staff who were advised to shelter in place. The FBI had initially offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Haynes’ recapture, which was later increased to $30,000 on September 13.
Ultimately, Haynes was located and apprehended in Oxon Hill, Maryland, with specific details regarding the circumstances of his recapture yet to be disclosed. Members of a U.S. Marshals Service task force collaborated with D.C. police in the effort. Authorities expressed gratitude to community members who assisted in providing information about Haynes’ whereabouts.
Now that Haynes has been recaptured, it is unclear whether anyone will receive the reward money. The charges against Haynes include not only the original homicide charge but also an additional charge for escaping custody.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) emphasized the importance of capturing Haynes, stating, “Finding Christopher Haynes remained a top priority for the Metropolitan Police Department.” MPD worked closely with local and federal partners to ensure his arrest and expressed its deep gratitude to the community for its assistance. U.S. Deputy Marshal Robert Dixon confirmed that Haynes was taken into custody “without incident” during a news conference but did not provide further details about his time on the run or potential charges against others who may have aided him.
