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Western State Hospital escapee on the run; police warn not to approach

Crystal Graham
Western State Hospital escapee Yassine Ismaili
Yassine Ismaili

The Staunton Police Department is searching for a 30-year-old man who escaped from Western State Hospital.

Yassine Ismaili was last seen wearing a white shirt, gray sweatpants and tennis shoes, according to an alert sent by police.

Ismaili appears to have been in custody after a litany of offenses in Fairfax County.

According to the Fairfax Times, Ismaili allegedly sprayed victims with pepper spray in Reston on Feb. 4; very few details were released by police. He had no fixed address at the time of the incident.

He previously faced a felony charge of malicious use of gas and has faced numerous charges dating back to 2021. His status in an online Virginia court database shows he is in custody which could include jail, mental hospital or military detention facility.

The database shows he had a progress hearing on Sept. 9. His next scheduled court date is Dec. 9.

Western State Hospital treats patients with serious mental health disorders.

If you see Ismaili, police recommend that you do not approach him.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the Staunton Police Department at (540) 332-3842.

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]

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