Metro

Shoplifting suspect on the loose after escaping police custody

A prisoner slipped out of a pair of handcuffs and escaped a Queens Hospital where he was in police custody after asking the cop who was guarding him to fetch him some water, police said.

DCPI
George Gordon, 36, was arrested in front of CVS on Beach 20th Street near Plainview Avenue Friday around 6:40 p.m. after he was caught shoplifting, cops said.

He allegedly swiped a six pack of Dove soap for sensitive skin, and a quilted cotton tote bag, according to police.

When cops responded to collar the thief, he resisted arrest and later complained of an asthma condition, prompting police to have him treated at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital on Far Rockaway Boulevard, cops said.

Just after 11 p.m., Gordon asked the police officer guarding him for a thirst-quencher, and used the ruse to free himself from the cuffs, fleeing the hospital unnoticed, police sources said.

He was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt, blue jeans and black sneakers.