Help Sought in Recapturing Assault Suspect

Police are asking for the public’s help in locating an escaped suspect who slipped out of handcuffs and walked out of a local hospital, where he had been awaiting asthma medication, authorities said Thursday.

William Tapia, 36, is a parolee and considered “very dangerous,” Police Sgt. Tom Boylan said. Tapia, who authorities believe is not armed, was arrested Wednesday in connection with an assault with a deadly weapon.

He is suspected of assaulting a former girlfriend Monday at a Costa Mesa hotel room, police said. The woman, whose name was not released, was treated for a broken arm and other injuries.

Tapia fled the hotel but was captured by Tustin police two days later, Boylan said. He was booked at the Costa Mesa City Jail.

Tapia told a police officer soon after his arrest that he has an asthma condition and had no medication for it, Boylan said. Tapia was taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach and cuffed to a bed while the officer walked to a hospital pharmacy to pick up some medication. Tapia freed himself and fled, police said.

A two-hour search by helicopters, dogs and officers of two departments failed to find him.

Tapia is described as a muscular white man, about 5-foot-9 and weighing 250 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He has a thin mustache and was last seen wearing a white shirt and blue jeans. His last known address is in the 400 block of Park Way in Chula Vista, police said.

Tapia is also wanted in Tustin on suspicion of burglarizing his ex-girlfriend’s home July 31, Tustin Police Sgt. Jim Peery said.