Psychiatric Patient Escapes Licking Co. Nursing Home

Police say a psychiatric patient charged with attempted murder has escaped an Ohio nursing home where he was ordered to stay when released on bond.

Heath police say 53-year-old John Stroud of Portsmouth broke a window and was discovered missing Thursday from his room in a secure ward at Heath Nursing & Convalescent Home.

Last year, Stroud pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in Scioto County to attempted murder, felonious assault and misdemeanor inducing panic. News archives show he's accused of threatening to kill himself, then firing a gun, during a standoff with deputies at his home. A competency hearing is scheduled for May 23.

Police believe Stroud may have headed to a wooded area. Schools in the area are closed for the day as a precaution.