Murder suspect sought after release from Chicago hospital

GARY, Ind. - Authorities have issued a nationwide alert for a murder suspect who was released from a Chicago-area hospital without police knowledge in February, a Gary, Ind., police spokeswoman said.

Cpl. Gabrielle King said Tuesday that 21-year-old Mark Cherry of Lake County, Ind., shot and killed 22-year-old Rolando Correa during a gunfight last December, reports CBS Chicago. King was being treated at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Ill., after being wounded during the incident.

Police said they weren't informed when Cherry was released from the hospital in late February. Advocate Christ Medical Center cites privacy laws and said police usually post guards outside the rooms of criminal suspects.

"If a patient is under suspicion for a serious offense, the police department involved in the case typically posts an officer on site during the period of hospitalization," a hospital spokesman told CBS Chicago in an email. "Then, at the time of discharge, the patient can be taken immediately into custody by police."

Gary police said they lack jurisdiction in Illinois. Authorities say Cherry is considered dangerous.