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Woman, 8 months pregnant, escapes police custody

Posted at 3:11 PM, Sep 24, 2012
and last updated 2012-09-24 15:11:17-04

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WAVE) - Authorities in Southern Indiana are working to track down an inmate who escaped police custody.  The woman isn't considered armed and dangerous, but she is eight months pregnant.  

Bridgett Sims, 23, was arrested Friday night with narcotics in her system.

"She is eight months pregnant and is a known heroin user," said Floyd County  Jail Commander Maj Andrew Sands.

On Saturday, she was taken to Floyd Memorial Hospital to get treatment for her unborn child. Sunday, she was having a medical test done by hospital staff when she asked to use the bathroom.

"At that time, the officer placed her in the restroom," said Sands. Sands said an officer and a nurse were watching her, but Sims was able to walk out of another door in the restroom.

"She was wearing her hospital gown and she took off in a hurry," Sands said.

"I don't know how she could go that fast, eight months pregnant. I didn't go very fast" said mother of four Lisa Rehnberg. "I just think it's really sad. I hope that she can be found and the baby can be cared for."

Police believe Sims may be with a man named Christopher Genry, who is using the alias Thomas Cook. Sims was initially arrested on a theft charge.