Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterMORE THAN half of the 36 prisoners who escaped from local jails and prisons over the past five months, some of whom are among the nation's most dangerous and all posing unchecked risks to society, remain on the run.
According to police records, 29 of the detainees escaped from police custody during seven jailbreaks, while seven fled from correctional facilities during five incidents. Of the 36 who escaped over all, police said four were killed and six recaptured.
Another jailbreak at the South Camp Road Remand Centre on Thursday night, which resulted in the escape of nine prisoners, has pushed the number of jailbreaks since January to seven.
Reports are that the detainees escaped during the heavy rains which lashed several sections of the island, but quick action by members of the security forces led to the recapture of four of the escapees.
Back behind bars are Dwayne Smith of Ashoka Road, Dwayne Roberts of Rodney Road, Tyrone Hunter of Grants Pen Drive, Kirk Nelson of St. Joseph Road, all of Kingston addresses.
According to the police, the five on the run have been identified as Lukana Waugh, 20 of Greenwich Town, Kingston and Bounty Hall, Trelawny, charged with murder and shooting with intent; Dwayne Sinclair, 19, of a Spanish Town Road address, who was awaiting trial on charges of murder and shooting; Richard Hylton, 18, of Grants Pen Road, charged with shooting, robbery and murder; Andeno Webb, 20, of a Kingston 11 address, who was facing charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition; and Dale Robinson, 23, alias "Fungus" of St. Joseph Road, Kingston, charged with murder and illegal possession of firearm.
Preliminary investigations are pointing to negligence on the path of the six police personnel who were left to guard the 115 prisoners in custody Thursday night. Head of the Office and Professional Responsibility (OPR), Superintendent Miquel Wynter, said he was preparing a report on what took place, along with the recommendations for the disciplinary actions to be taken, to Acting Police Commissioner Tilford Johnson.
