A convicted murderer escaped custody Tuesday morning while being transported to a medical appointment at a North Carolina hospital, according to the local sheriff’s office.
Ramone Alston, 30, managed to break free from a corrections officer while being escorted to UNC Hospital in Hillsborough, as reported by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
The department stated that Alston “freed himself from leg restraints and, still handcuffed, jumped out and fled into nearby woods.”
He was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt, brown pants, and white New Balance sneakers, along with handcuffs attached to a waist chain, officials noted.
As of late Tuesday afternoon, Alston’s location remains unknown. Authorities are urging the public to call 911 immediately if they spot him, cautioning people not to approach him.
“He’s unpredictable—we don’t know what his next move might be, so he should be considered dangerous,” said Keith Acree, a spokesperson for the Department of Adult Correction, during a press briefing. “In situations like this, people often make rash decisions, and he’s already made one significant rash decision this morning.”
The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to Alston’s capture.
Alston was convicted of fatally shooting a 1-year-old girl on Christmas Day in 2015. He is serving a life sentence.
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The young victim, Maleah Williams, was playing outside with her Christmas toys when she was struck by gunfire.
