A member of Boston law enforcement told CBS on Thursday that Raymond Wallace, the Massachusetts inmate who caused a shootout at a hospital yesterday afternoon, had been planning an escape from prison before the incident.
Wallace, 36, is a native of Salem, was being brought to the Massachusetts Ear and Eye Infirmary yesterday for treatment when he attacked one of the officers who brought him in, trying to obtain his gun. The altercation resulted in both the officer and Wallace being shot.
According to the police station, an x-ray showed that Wallace had swallowed a handcuff key.
He's been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery on a public employee, and escaping. Wallace was no stranger to law enforcement -- he was originally in prison while awaiting trial on charges of armed robbery, masked robbery, and firearms charges.
In 2001, Wallace performed an armed robbery in a full ninja suit and two guns at a Waltham store. After the bloody battle with law enforcement that followed, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison but got off after eight due to budget cuts.
While out on parole in 2011, Wallace held up a Pet Smart while being heavily armed with a mask on.
Although he was scheduled for arraignment today, he is not likely to show up in court anytime soon due to his current condition. Wallace suffered a gunshot wound to the chest but is expected to survive.
In 2011, CBS Boston ran a story featuring Wallace and how he was being released from prison early. Reporter Joe Shortsleeve expressed concern and his lack of faith that letting him go would be the end of his lengthy criminal resume. Turns out that his worries were completely legitimate.
Wednesday's shooting is still being investigated.
