In a shocking turn of events, authorities in Missouri are currently on the hunt for a dangerous prison inmate who managed to escape custody while receiving treatment at a hospital in St. Louis. The inmate, identified as 45-year-old Tommy Wayne Boyd, is a convicted child sex offender serving a 30-year sentence for statutory sodomy. The St. Louis County Police Department issued a warning, stating that Boyd should be considered dangerous.

Boyd's escape occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning at Mercy Hospital South, located in the greater St. Louis area. According to reports, he was last seen by hospital staff just before 4 a.m. on Thursday, and approximately 30 minutes later, police received a call reporting his escape. Surveillance footage from the hospital captured Boyd leaving the building on foot, with his direction of travel remaining unknown at this time. The police department released still images taken from the footage, showing Boyd wearing a dark jacket, orange slippers, and light-colored gym shorts. He is described as a 5-foot-7 white man with balding hair and a beard.

Authorities are actively investigating Boyd's escape and have urged residents in the area to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings by calling 911. The St. Louis County Police Department and Crime Stoppers are also accepting tips, with the latter offering the possibility of remaining anonymous and potentially receiving a reward for information.

This escape comes amid a series of incidents in recent months where inmates have fled custody while receiving hospital treatment. Notably, New York City officials recently located and apprehended Yenchun Chen, a 44-year-old escaped inmate who was originally arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Additionally, in Philadelphia, Danielo Cavalcante managed to elude authorities for two weeks before being captured, while in Washington, D.C., Christopher Haynes, a murder suspect, remains at large after escaping custody at George Washington University Hospital.

As the search for Boyd continues, law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the community.