Both men arrested after escaping from Virginia psychiatric hospital

The two men escaped from the hospital on Easter Sunday

Bryant M. Wilkerson (left) and Austin Preston Leigh (right) escaped from Eastern State Hospital. (Virginia State Police)

JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. – Two men are now in custody after authorities say they escaped from a psychiatric hospital in Williamsburg last weekend.

Bryant Wilkerson, 29, was apprehended by the Norfolk Police Department on Thursday and was charged with possession of a concealed weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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Austin Preston Leigh, 31, was apprehended late Sunday evening by the Chesapeake Police Department.


UPDATE - April 18, 2022

A man has been taken into custody and one remains wanted after authorities said the pair escaped from a psychiatric hospital in Williamsburg last weekend.

The two escaped from Eastern State Hospital and authorities are still searching for 29-year-old Bryant Wilkerson. State Police said he is considered armed and dangerous.

Authorities apprehended Austin Preston Leigh, 31, late Sunday evening.


ORIGINAL STORY - April 17, 2022

Virginia State Police is seeking public help in locating two patients who escaped from a psychiatric hospital in Williamsburg on Saturday.

Authorities are looking for 29-year-old Bryant M. Wilkerson and 31-year-old Austin Preston Leigh who escaped from Eastern State Hospital.

According to State Police, Wilkerson and Leigh are convicted felons, with outstanding warrants on file and are both considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to immediately call 911 or 757-424-6800 or email VSP at questions@vsp.virginia.gov.


About the Author

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.