Man charged with attempted kidnapping in Tufts Medical Center security breach involving infant
BOSTON MA March 5 2022
A 20-year-old is facing multiple charges including attempted kidnapping and assault and battery after Boston police said he tried to kidnap an infant in a sleep study room at a Massachusetts hospital.
Tufts Medical Center said the man, identified by Boston police as Estil Perez Blanco, made his way to a secure unit inside the hospital Sunday evening.
“When a staff member opened the door to offer assistance, the individual pushed past the staff member, entered the space and approached a room where a child was having a study done,” a Tufts Medical Center spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said a family member of the child assisted staff in escorting the individual from the area while public safety was called, eventually taking the man into custody.
The hospital said the suspect came into the building during normal visiting hours before more restrictions are put in place at night.
Marilyn Hollier, a hospital security consultant, said security in health care settings is difficult as hospitals balance the needs of patients and visitors.
“You’re putting in deterrence, barriers, trying to take a multifaceted approach to try to prevent an incident from happening,” Hollier said.
Hollier advocates for more restrictions throughout the day, but admits, access control for large hospitals can be difficult.
“You really have to have that balance, patient-centered care, but yet access control, but there’s no perfect system, someone can slip through,” Hollier said.
