Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe PROVIDENCE, R.I., April 6 (UPI) -- A handcuffed prisoner escaped police custody in Providence, R.I., after the patrolman supposed to be guarding him went home because his shift ended. The incident, which occurred last month, came to light following an inquiry by the Providence Journal, the paper reported Thursday. Advertisement Deputy Police Chief Paul Kennedy said the patrolman involved has been disciplined but would not disclose the punishment. A 2-year veteran of the force was guarding prisoner Willie Gray at Rhode Island Hospital when his shift came to an end at 7 a.m. Instead of waiting for his relief to arrive, Reed removed Gray's handcuffs and went home. Officers had to be sent out to find Gray and return him to custody. He was charged with simple assault and resisting arrest for an incident that occurred at his apartment building.
