CNMI authorities are searching for a prisoner who escaped while at the Commonwealth Health Center.

According to the Department of Public Safety, 30-year-old Joey Maratita fled the Saipan hospital where he was receiving medical care Wednesday night.

The Department of Corrections and DPS are searching for Maratita. They say his last known location was heading southbound by Shirley’s Restaurant in Garapan. He was wearing a hospital gown.

 

KUAM News saw local police searching Garapan village and nearby areas. CNMI Department of Corrections Commissioner Anthony Torres said that the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, U.S. Marshals, and CNMI Customs officers are participating in the search. Torres said checkpoints will also be set up in the area.

Authorities ask the public to call 911 if they see him or have any information on his whereabouts.