OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday fired the head of a beleaguered state psychiatric hospital after an accused murderer escaped last week.
The escape was the latest in a litany of problems at the 800-bed Western State Hospital, where violent assaults on both staff and patients have occurred.
“These incidents have justifiably eroded public confidence in the hospital,” Inslee said.
Inslee said he had relieved Western State Chief Executive Officer Ron Adler of his duties. Inslee said he would be replaced by Cheryl Strange, effective April 25. Strange had previously managed the state public mental health system.
Anthony Garver escaped last week from the facility in Lakewood, Washington, where he was being held after he was accused of torturing a 20-year-old woman to death. Garver and fellow patient Mark Alexander Adams escaped April 6 through a key-locked window. Adams was apprehended the next day.
NEW DELHI – The U.S and India are working to make it easier for the two countries’ militaries to coordinate during disasters or other emergencies, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said Tuesday.
During a joint news conference with Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, Carter said the two countries have “agreed in principle” on a logistics agreement, and it could be finalized in weeks. U.S. defense officials said it will help the two militaries coordinate better, including in exercises, and also allow the U.S. to more easily sell fuel or provide spare parts to the Indians.
Carter said the U.S. and India also expect to soon reach a second pact to improve the sharing of information on commercial shipping, in a move to beef up security on the seas.
Associated Press
