Stephen Grzyb, 22, who ran from a custody van outside Liverpool's court building, allegedly damaged a police cell the day before his escape, according to court documents.
Grzyb, of Princess Drive in Dovecot, was being transported from Merseyside Police's Belle Vale custody suite to Liverpool Magistrates' Court when he broke free upon arrival around 10am on Saturday. He fled down Red Cross Street towards The Strand and remains at large.
Charges and Escape Details
He was due in court on a domestic burglary charge, accused of stealing £400 from a block of flats in Halewood on July 29, and also faces a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at the same flats on July 26.
According to court documents from Tuesday, Grzyb has been further charged with criminal damage related to his time in custody. The charge sheet stated that at Belle Vale custody suite, he damaged cell M8 belonging to Merseyside Police, intending to destroy or damage the property.
Police Response
Merseyside Police confirmed that despite the new charges being listed in court, Grzyb remains at large. Temporary Inspector Bethan Hannon said: "We understand the concern this incident will cause, and it is vital the public can see Grzyb's face so they can report any sightings and help us bring him back into custody as soon as possible."
She added: "If you have heard from him or know where he is, please do the right thing and come forward. Assisting him in any way will bring police to your own door, so it is not an association worth keeping. If you see Grzyb, please call 999 immediately. We are carrying out extensive enquiries to find him with patrols on foot and CCTV enquiries being made right across the city centre so that we can return him to custody."
Public Appeal
Grzyb is described as white with short dark hair, wearing a navy t-shirt and navy shorts at the time of his escape. Police remained outside the court building on Saturday, with patrols also seen on Red Cross Street. The force also dispatched patrols to the home of the alleged victim to ensure her safety.
A spokesperson for the force said: "You can also contact Merseyside Police's social media desk via X and Facebook @MerPolCC, via the website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101 quoting incident reference 26000615520." They added: "Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously."
