Another potentially violent psych patient missing from CAMH

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Another CAMH patient with a violent history has gone AWOL.

Just two days after the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health vowed to change its ways and do more to stop potentially dangerous psychiatric patients from taking off, Toronto Police say a man has gone missing from the Queen and Ossington neighbourhood.

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Craig Tucker, 41, described as a possible danger to himself or others, disappeared sometime Friday.

Tucker faced charges of assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm but in February was found to be not criminally responsible, meaning he was unfit to stand trial.

Tucker is about five-foot-eight, 180 pounds, with dreadlocks and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing grey pants with a black sweater and beige coat.

Police warn anyone who sees Tucker should not approach him and call 911 at once.

This incident follows Thursday’s announcement that CAMH would adopt recommendations made by an external review, including altering its patient pass system and making physical changes to the facility to help prevent future escapes.

Last summer, a man who killed his roommate escaped CAMH and fled to China, while another patient responsible for violent robberies went missing for a day. More recently, two men involved in violent crime escaped for a day on separate dates in November.

All these patients were found not criminally responsible for their crimes and were committed to the facility rather than jailed.

The recent announcement about change at CAMH is based on a list of 12 recommendations made by an expert panel. The recommendations are aimed both at improving community safety and helping patients complete their treatment properly.

A statement from Health Minister Christine Elliott’s office said in part, “The panel’s recommendations will help improve the hospital’s protocols and will better protect patients and the surrounding community.”

lbraun@postmedia.com