Five patients break out of voluntary health center

"...the five men could have checked out at the front door if they really wanted to..."



Five patients break out of voluntary health center

By Annie Sweeney
staff writer

TINLEY PARK ?- Five patients at a southwest suburban mental facility broke a window to get out early Monday, touching off a search, authorities said.

By Monday evening, two of the five had been located and were back at the Tinley Park Mental Health Center at 7400 W. 183rd St., authorities said.

Because treatment at the facility is voluntary, the five men could have checked out at the front door if they really wanted to, said Tom Green, a spokesman for the state's Department of Human Services.

The group, who live in the same dormitory-style unit, cut a second-story window to get out at about 12:30 a.m. Monday, authorities said.

One was later brought in by family and a second was picked up by police in Stickney. Of the remaining three, one had made contact with his family.

The men, who range in age from 19 to 36, were not considered escapees and do not face charges, Green said.

They had all been at the hospital for about a month.

None has a violent history, Green said.

Green said the center provides treatment for about 80 people suffering from mental illness.

It is one of nine state hospitals that provide those types of services.