MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The Madison Police Department is searching for an armed suspect who drove into Brittingham Bay near Brittingham Park.
Officers are searching for 55-year-old Derrick M. Newton.
Police believe he is armed and dangerous with a knife and gun.
According to police, Newton was allegedly involved in an armed car jacking that happened around 6:10 a.m. near UnityPoint Health- Meriter Hospital on the 200 block of South Park Street.
The hospital went into lockdown soon after.
Meriter spokesperson Nicole Aimone said the hospital went into a temporary lockdown with controlled access out of an abundance of caution.
Nearly 400 people, including staff and patients were impacted, according to Aimone.
As of 9 a.m., the hospital was in “Heightened Awareness” status. Normal operations are now back in place.
“The safety of our patients, visitors, and team members remain our top priorities,” Aimone said. “We continue to work closely with the Madison Police Department and will adjust security measures as appropriate. At no time was patient care impacted.”
Shortly after the carjacking, police say Newton crashed the vehicle into Brittingham Bay. He then left the area.
The Madison Fire Department said a dive team was sent into the water, but did not find anyone.
Two MFD divers broke away ice about 125 yards offshore from Brittingham Park, and found the SUV submerged underwater.
“In this situation, they were out in the elements throughout the whole operation, so it did get a little chilly,” Madison Fire Department Lt. Cory Reno said.
Reno said the cold temperatures make responding to these situations more difficult.
“The unknown of what was happening,” Reno said. “The car went through the ice, so it was the ice thick enough around the vehicle for us to stand on. They did chip some ice away from the vehicle so they had room to to make the dive. It definitely complicates things with the cold weather, no doubt.”
As of 6. p.m. Thursday, Newton has not been found. A large number of police searched in the neighborhoods near South Park Street and Brittingham Bay.
MPD West District Captain Daniel Nale said clothes were found in Brittingham Park that are believed to be from the suspect.
If you see Newton, Nale asked people to call 911 immediately and to not approach him.
“If you see this person, please do not confront this person just contact 911 immediately and we’ll respond,” Nale said.
MPD said Newton has not made any direct threats to the public, but people living in the area should be cautious.
Nale noted several neighboring agencies are assisting with the investigation, including officers from UW-Madison Police Department and Capitol Police Department.
This is a developing story, and we will update this story as we learn more.
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