Two Arrested For Conspiracy to Assist in State Hospital Patient Escape

A later search of the vehicle found methamphetamine and other evidence related to the case.

File photo of Oregon State Hospital by Bonnie King

(SALEM, Ore.) - Police say two people were arrested Thursday night on numerous charges after they were caught attempting to assist in the escape of a State Hospital patient.

Oregon State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings says 29-year old Thomas E. Boring of Gresham, and 50-year old Monica Holbert of Vancouver, Washington, were observed by hospital staff around 10:00 PM Thursday tampering with a fence on State Hospital property while in possession of cutting tools allegedly to assist in the escape of a patient.

"The two suspects were detained by hospital staff and responding Salem police officers, and then turned over to the custody of Oregon State Police."

Hastings says they drove to the area in a 1994 Ford Explorer that was determined to be stolen out of Vancouver, Washington. A later search of the vehicle found methamphetamine and other evidence related to the case.

Boring and Holbert were transported to Marion County Jail. Boring was booked for Conspiracy to Commit Escape in the Second Degree, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine.

Holbert was booked for Conspiracy to Commit Escape in the Second Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Criminal Mischief in the First Degree. Source: Oregon State Police