Man arrested last month escapes, becomes "America's Most Wanted"
BY PETER A. SUTTERS JR. INDEPENDENT WRITER
Aformer Nantucket man is now one of "America's Most Wanted" fugitives.

Anthony Flye

Anthony Flye, 38, of 9 Brinda Lane, who was arrested last month on several sexually related charges, escaped last Tuesday from a New Bedford hospital after being brought there for an injury sustained during an escape attempt only hours before, according to police.

Flye is being sought by police across Massachusetts, while Nantucket Police are also keeping an eye out in the event he attempts to return to the island.

Flye is the top story on the Web site of the hit television show "America's Most Wanted" and is set to be featured on the show this Saturday evening if he remains on the loose.

Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodges has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Flye was arrested on Nantucket in February on charges of rape of a child with force, rape, indecent assault and battery, indecent exposure, assault and battery on an elderly or disabled person with injury, indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over and incest. New Bedford Police believe at least one incident occurred on Nantucket.

Flye was at a court appearance in Bristol County Superior Court when he jumped off a second floor landing, said New Bedford Police spokesman Lt. Jeffery Silva. Flye was being transported back to Bristol County Jail when he complained of an injury to his ankle sustained during the fall, Silva said. He was brought to St. Luke's Hospital and was guarded by court officers from Bristol County Superior Court.

Prior to his hospital examination, Flye asked to use the bathroom, which had access to

a neighboring room, allowing Flye to simply walk through the door and out of the hospital, Silva said. Silva also said Flye's escape could have been prevented had it not taken over an hour for court officers and hospital security to notify the police. "We had an off duty officer notice a guy walking around in a hospital Johnny and call the station, but no one at the department knew he was missing," said Silva.

Flye then attempted to board a bus, but was refused entry. That was the last time he was seen, Silva said.

Police launched a massive manhunt that included two k-9 units, but came up empty. A report of Flye being on island was investigated last week, but police said the person was not him.

Flye was in the construction trade while on Nantucket. New Bedford Police have been contacting his friends and co-workers seeking any information

as to his whereabouts. I