‘Jesus Bandit’ escapes custody

Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a Hawaii State Hospital escapee, known on Kauai as the “Jesus Bandit.”

CrimeStoppers said Richard Leibman escaped from the Hawaii State Hospital at about 6:40 p.m. Saturday by walking out of “an unlocked door while the staff was in the process of transitioning another patient,” adding, “The staff chased him but lost sight when he entered the heavy brush area.”

Leibman, 38, has convictions for misdemeanor theft, assaulting police officers, resisting arrest and criminal contempt. Why Leibman was in the State Hospital wasn’t disclosed.

Leibman has a history of escapes, including one in 2014 when he went missing from Kahi Mohala.

The Garden Island newspaper reported that residents on Kauai’s North Shore gave him the nickname of the “Jesus Bandit” because he wore a robe and had long hair and a beard.

Police described Leibman as dangerous. He is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 130 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME via cellphone.