Naked NYC Boat Thief Escapes Hospital Dressed in Lab Coat After Arrest

Stephen Blasetti, a 36-year-old man, recently found himself in hot water after a peculiar series of events in Manhattan. It all started when he was arrested for a bizarre, naked boat theft, but his escapades didn’t end there. Early Wednesday morning, he managed to escape from a New York City hospital, slipping out in a makeshift disguise consisting of a white lab coat, blue hospital pants, and hospital-issued socks.

The New York Post reported that Blasetti was not wearing shoes during his escape from Columbia University Irving Medical Center. This daring escape followed his arrest by the NYPD Harbor Unit over the weekend. Initially, Blasetti faced charges of grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and reckless endangerment.

The tale began at the Dyckman Street Marina in upper Manhattan, where Blasetti, allegedly under the influence of methamphetamines, was behaving erratically. Marina employees attempted to remove him from the area, but before they could act, he climbed aboard a small sailboat. From there, he drifted into the Hudson River.

Blasetti’s adventure didn’t stop with the sailboat. He navigated to a larger, anchored catamaran and boarded that vessel as well. The NYPD’s Aviation and Harbor Units quickly responded, locating the stolen boats and arresting Blasetti on the catamaran without further incident.

After his arrest, he was taken to Columbia University Irving Medical Center for evaluation. However, it was from there that he made his daring escape, leaving authorities in a scramble to apprehend him once again. Despite being in a hospital for evaluation, Blasetti was not handcuffed or shackled at the time of his escape.

Law enforcement agencies are now on the hunt for Blasetti, reviewing security footage to understand how he managed to slip away unnoticed. It’s a mystery how he evaded detection, leaving authorities puzzled and determined to locate him. The police have no other open criminal cases against Blasetti beyond this boat theft incident.

Authorities are urging the public to keep an eye out for Blasetti and to call 911 immediately if they spot him. They advise against approaching him, given the unpredictable nature of his recent actions. The incident has become a talking point, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in such unusual cases.

This story has captured attention, not just for the unusual circumstances but also for the questions it raises about security and escape prevention. As law enforcement continues their search, the public remains intrigued by the unfolding saga. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable events that can take place in the heart of a bustling city like New York.

In the meantime, Columbia University Irving Medical Center is likely reviewing its security protocols. The hospital escape has undoubtedly sparked discussions about patient security and the measures necessary to prevent such incidents in the future. As the search continues, many are left wondering how Blasetti managed such a bold escape.

This incident has brought a mix of amusement and concern, as Blasetti’s actions have created a spectacle. The authorities remain vigilant, hoping to bring this unusual case to a swift conclusion. As the days pass, the urgency to find Blasetti intensifies, with law enforcement sparing no effort in their search.

The case has also highlighted the role of the NYPD’s specialized units, like the Aviation and Harbor Units, in managing such unique situations. Their quick response was crucial in the initial arrest, showcasing the diverse capabilities of law enforcement in New York City. Despite the challenges, the focus remains on apprehending Blasetti and ensuring public safety.

This unfolding story serves as a reminder of the unexpected twists that can occur in the city that never sleeps. As more details emerge, it will be interesting to see how this case develops and what new information comes to light. For now, Blasetti’s escape remains a captivating tale of adventure and evasion in the heart of Manhattan.