Toronto Police say they are concerned for public safety after a patient at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) went missing Tuesday afternoon.
Police spokesperson Allison Sparkes tells NEWSTALK 1010 Anthony Murdock "walked away" while on an accompanied pass away from the psychiatric facility near Queen St W and Ossington Ave.
While Sparkes did not elaborate on the root of police worry for public safety, she explains officers assessed the missing 45-year-old as a potential risk. Sparkes says Murdock was found not criminally responsible of an indecent act in 1998.
Murdock was last seen wearing a burgundy shirt and blue jeans at about 2:20 p.m. Tuesday. The disappearance was first flagged in a police tweet just before 8 p.m. Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911 immediately.
Murdock has vanished from the Queen and Ossington area at least once before, in the fall of 2017.
Earlier this month, CAMH and Toronto Police each announced plans for internal reviews after a series of CAMH patients were reported missing. Scrutiny intensified, reaching the Premier's office, after it was revealed a patient is believed to have fled to China while un-escorted in the community. Zhebin Cong had been in the hospital's care after being found not criminally responsible of killing his roommate with a meat cleaver.
LISTEN: Premier Doug Ford demands action on CAMH case
Police Chief Mark Saunders has said the service's review would look at processes, training, and communication with community agencies.
CAMH promised to immediately increase clinical and security staff as well as re-assess existing passes and privileges. The centre also vowed to review processes and communication with police, the Ontario Review Board, and the broader community.
Last Wednesday, CAMH's President and CEO agreed to an external review of their passes and priceless to be completed by year's end. While no one has yet been appointed to lead the review, Dr. Catherine Zahn hopes it will draw on knowledge from international experts to make recommendations for improvements.