Police searching for patient who escaped Hamilton psychiatric unit

Hamilton police are asking for the public's help locating a female patient who escaped from the St. Joseph's Forensic Psychiatry Unit.

The patient, 38-year-old Crystal Lavergne, was reported missing from the hospital at 100 West 5th St. shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Lavergne is described as five-foot-one, 150 pounds, with a pale complexion and short blond hair. She has a star tattoo on her upper lip, and a chin and nose piercing, and was last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, a maroon shirt and blue jeans. She was also wearing glasses and a checkered fanny pack.

Police say Lavergne can become defensive and offensive toward others," and are advising the public not to approach or communicate with her.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 905-546-3886.

Kate McCullough is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: kmccullough@thespec.com