Howard County Charges Against Escaped Inmate Have Been Dropped

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BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Howard County Police say charges against the inmate who escaped and eluded police for several days have been dropped.

The charges against David Watson in Howard County that were dropped were first- and second-degree escape and second-degree assault.

A Judge had ordered Watson's transfer to Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center for a competency evaluation, but the Howard County State's Attorney's Office and agencies involved decided an evaluation by a visiting doctor at the detention center was best.

He escaped from custody on April 28, near Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center, and was taken back into custody on May 3.

Watson was found hiding in an 20-inch drainage pipe in a heavily wooded area less than a half mile away from where he escaped custody.

Investigators do not believe that Watson planned the escape in advance or received outside assistance.

Watson was serving a sentence of more than 100 years in Delaware for attempted murder.

Police say Watson has been transported from Howard County.

Watson is still facing charges for the escape in Wicomico County.

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