TEWKSBURY — A Hingham man was arrested and charged Thursday with assault and battery on a public employee, attempting to commit a crime, and escaping from a penal institution after fleeing Tewksbury State Hospital, according to Tewksbury Police Chief Ryan Columbus.
Benjamin Hirtle, 27, allegedly assaulted two hospital employees before escaping the facility around 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 10.
The police were alerted and given a description of the suspect, leading to his arrest in the vicinity of Livingston Street.
At the time of his escape, Hirtle was being held at the state hospital due to a revoked bail on a separate charge of enticing a minor in Hingham.
The prompt action by Tewksbury Police negated the need for a CodeRed notification to the community.
As a precautionary measure, the nearby John Wynn Middle School was immediately informed of the incident, and students and staff were kept inside.
Hirtle is scheduled for arraignment in Lowell District Court on Oct. 11.
Chief Columbus expressed his concerns about the security at the State Hospital and urged the state to address these issues urgently for the safety of Tewksbury residents.
The charges against Hirtle are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
