Mental health facility tightens security following escape by patient

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Changes are on the way for the Mental Health Resource Center on West 20th Street after a patient escaped the facility Monday.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, which provides the funding for the center, it’s the second time in less than two years that a patient has escaped this facility.

Police said Sharmeka Jackson, 24, escaped Monday after pulling the fire alarm to create a diversion. According to Lutheran Services Florida, which oversees the contract at the center, once the fire alarm is activated, it automatically triggers the magnetic exterior door locks to release.

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Charles McMillan, who lives less than a mile away from the center, said he was concerned when he heard about a mentally unstable patient escaping the facility.

“It’s concerning because I do have a 2-year-old grandson and I’m concerned about him quite a bit,” said McMillan.

Action News Jax crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson said these type of mental health facilities tend to be low security.

“It's not a maximum-security place where you've got your barbed wire and guards at the gate and things like that. If that was the case, she wouldn't have been able to get out,” said Jefferson.

Lutheran Services Florida said it’s going to “update the fire alarm system.” A spokesperson also said that “incidents such as these should not occur once the new lock system and procedures are put into place."

McMillan is glad they’re making changes.

“I think security ought to be a little bit better,” said McMillan.

Cox Media Group