New law inspired by 2014 Elgin Mental Health Center escape
State mental health officials will be able to share information with police because of a new law inspired by an escape from the Elgin Mental Health Center last year.
Jesse Vega evaded authorities for eight hours in 2014 after he jumped out of a health center vehicle on the way to a court appearance in Lake County.
State Rep. Anna Moeller says he remained at large for longer than necessary because state officials couldn't share confidential information with local police that might have helped.
The Elgin Democrat's proposal was signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner this week.
"Jesse Vega's escape from Elgin Mental Health Center custody last year brought to light serious public safety issues," Moeller said in a statement. "It is critical that law enforcement has access to the information they need to keep our communities safe."
Vega was eventually found by a resident and taxi driver and taken back into custody. He was being taken to court on aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery charges.