Search for Absconded Hospital Patient Near Gainesville Mall and Apartments

Summary: Law enforcement and fire units responded to reports of a male who absconded from a hospital, still wearing medical leads and without a shirt, in the Gainesville, Florida area. The subject, later identified as Steven Wasada, was last seen running towards an apartment complex near the Oaks Mall, specifically behind the JCPenney building. Multiple units coordinated a search, including the use of drones and coordination with Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ASO). The search area included apartment complexes, new construction sites, and wooded areas near 62nd Boulevard and the Earl Apartments. The subject was eventually sighted near new construction between the old and new complexes. The event posed a moderate risk due to the subject's unknown mental state and the potential for public safety concerns.