Run Away Convict Spotted In Washington

An unaware good samaritan may have given the fugitive a ride

Thaddeus Ziemlak has been on the run since Wednesday. Photo: OSP

(SALEM) - Oregon State Police have received information that a 23-year-old Oregon State Hospital forensic patient who fled from hospital staff late Wednesday afternoon in the Salem area may be in central Washington.

Thaddeus Ziemlak was admitted to the hospital from Lane County on September 14th, 2004 after being found guilty of murder except for insanity following the shooting death of his mother.

On November 8th, State Hospital officials notified Oregon State Police that Ziemlak ran from staff at about 4:45 PM while he and a staff member were visiting a store in the 2200 block of Lancaster Drive N.E. in Salem, Oregon.

On November 10th, 2006 Oregon State Police were contacted by Klickitat County Sheriff's Office with information that a man matching his description named "Thad from Salem" was given a ride on November 9th and dropped off in Klickitat County along Highway 14 near milepost 79. The driver told police that he was enroute to Wenatchee, Washington. Law enforcement agencies in Washington State are being notified of this information to assist with locating Ziemlak.

Ziemlak is a white male, 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, with reddish hair, green eyes and facial acne. When last seen, he was wearing jeans and a tan jacket with a hood.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Thad Ziemlak is asked to contact Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888 or a local law enforcement agency.