Linn County Sheriff’s office looking for inmate who fled hospital

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Linn County Sheriff's Office is looking for an inmate who fled from Mercy Hospital.

According to the sheriff's office, 41-year-old Wendee L. Chalupa was booked at the jail the evening of Nov. 17 for contempt of court. On Nov. 20, around 1:30 p.m., Chalupa was taken to Mercy Hospital to be evaluated for a medication condition.

Authorities said Chalupa was admitted to the hospital and a detainer was placed on her, meaning hospital staff was to contact the sheriff's office when she was ready to be returned to the jail. Chalupa allegedly walked out of the hospital without the staff's knowledge around 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Anyone with knowledge of Chalupa's whereabouts is asked to contact the sheriff's office at 892-6100.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com