Shots fired as prisoner flees after breaking free during hospital visit in US; no one hurt

A prisoner serving a life term for kidnapping grabbed a gun while at a hospital in Maryland and escaped Wednesday, and shots were fired inside the building, authorities said. No injuries were reported.

The prisoner overpowered a guard and grabbed a firearm at Laurel Regional Hospital, said Maryland State Police Sgt. Arthur Betts.

Shots were fired when the prisoner tried to break free of his shackles, Betts said. Police said they did not immediately know if he succeeded in getting out of the restraints.

The hospital was placed …