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Manhunt continues for inmate who escaped Henrico hospital; felon may be wearing 'Richmond' hat

Naseem Roulack
Posted at 2:00 PM, Aug 13, 2023
and last updated 2023-08-13 14:00:05-04

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. — The manhunt for a Greensville Correctional Center inmate Naseem Roulack, who managed to walk out of St. Mary's Hospital while under the care of two prison security officers, entered a second day on Sunday.

Officials with the Virginia Department of Corrections (VDOC), state police and Henrico Police continue their "search efforts" for Roulack, who is also goes by Lil Nas, officials with the state agency said in a news release Sunday at 12:45 p.m.

Naseem Isaiah Roulack
Naseem Isaiah Roulack

Officials: Roulack walked out of hospital at 5:42 a.m.; he was reported to have 'escaped supervision' at 5:50 a.m.

Troopers said Roulack "left the hospital on foot" at 5:42 a.m. and was last seen Saturday "casually walking" on Franklin Street in the Near West End.

VADOC officials said security staff with agency "reported that Roulack escaped from the supervision of two VADOC security officers" at St. Mary's at 5:50 a.m.

Crime Insider sources told Jon Burkett that an elderly man’s home was broken into on Wythe Avenue not far from the hospital.

The man was unaware of the break-in, but discovered his car keys, credit cards and wallet along with cash were taken. Some of his clothes were also missing, according to sources.

However, those sources said that even though the keys were missing, the car was not taken.

Sources also told Burkett that K-9s stopped tracking at Grove and Commonwealth in the Near West End.

Naseem Roulack Search

Law enforcement expert: Flex cuffs 'not meant for anything long term'

An internal investigation is underway as to how Roulack was able to get away from two correction officers assigned to his bedside.

Miles Turner of Law Enforcement Consulting, LLC, said one of two things could have happened based on his decades of experience.

"Either there’s an inside job. In other words, somebody with corrections is helping him, which has happened before in the country,” Turner said. “The other is just somebody flatout not following procedure. Both correction officers walk away. Or one walks away and the other inadvertently falls asleep. Something along those lines. It’s really the only two options."

Roulack was only constrained with flex cuffs since metal shackles are not allowed to go into the MRI, Crime Insider sources told Burkett.

"Flex cuffs are essentially giant zip ties,” Turner explained. “And I don't know how DOC uses them, but essentially you can make two loops that go around ankles or wrists. But they're not meant for anything long term."

Massive search underway for inmate who escaped Henrico hospital

Local News

PHOTOS: Massive search underway for inmate who escaped Henrico hospital

12:47 PM, Aug 12, 2023

Crime Insider: Felon serving 13-year sentence was being treated for seizures

The Woodbridge native is serving a 13-year sentence for aggravated malicious wounding, grand larceny and hit and run, according to VDOC officials. The 21-year-old has an extensive criminal background in the Woodbridge area, according to court records.

He was taken from Greensville Correctional Center to St. Mary's Hospitlal for medical treatment last week, according to VDOC officials.

Roulack was supposed to be receiving care for seizures on the sixth floor, Crime Insider sources told Burkett.

The hospital was placed on lockdown at 7 a.m. and Henrico Police, Virginia State Police and officials with the VDOC began searching for Roulack.

Neighbors who live near the hospital received text alerts from Henrico County around 8:40 a.m. warning them that police were looking for a man near the hospital. Some were told by officers to shelter in place.

"At this time we have no reason to believe he was armed. However, he is serving time for malicious wounding," Virginia State Police spokesperson Corinne Geller said. "Of course we ask everyone not to approach him. But if they do see someone fitting his description, please contact police."

Troopers say Naseem Roulack was last seen "casually walking" on Franklin Street in the Near West End. He escaped two prison security officers at 5:50 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Hospital, according to officials with the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Officials: Inmate goes by Lil Nas and has 4 tattoos

Roulack is now believed to be wearing jeans, a gray shirt and a black hat with “Richmond” on it, VDOC officials said Sunday.

Troopers said Saturday that he was wearing a gray t-shirt with black shorts and what appears to be either a white towel or sheet on his head, according to state police. He was also carrying a backpack or bag over his shoulder, troopers said.

"Police have recovered his medical gown and the restraints he was wearing when he left the hospital," Geller said. "Those items were found in the street and a yard within walking distance of the hospital."

Officials initially said Roulack was wearing a white gown, white socks and no shoes when he was last seen leaving a hospital bathroom. However, they said sightings called into police led to the updated descriptions.

Authorities described Roulack as a Black male, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 177 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Troopers said the 21-year-old, who goes by the alias of Lil Nas, has four tattoos. He has "Cut Throat" on his right cheek, a tattoo on his left arm that says "RIP ish." He also has a tattoo on his right arm that reads "Faith is Seeing with Your Heart When All Your Eyes See is Darkness" as well as another on his chest that reads “Marie.”

If you see Roulack, do not approach him, officials warned, call 911. Anyone who thinks they may have seen him or has information about his whereabouts is also asked to call 911 or dial #77 on a cell phone. Additionally, anyone with information can call VDOC’s fugitive line at 1-877-896-5764.

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