Manhunt is underway in Philadelphia, United States (U.S) as police search for a 17-year-old inmate facing murder charges, who managed to escape custody on Wednesday.
Shane Pryor was able to escape while undergoing a medical visit to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia due to an injury to his hand, according to law enforcement sources. The U.S Marshals say he may be driving a stolen Ford pick up truck, specifically F-150 with PA Tag ZTS-0503.
At approximately 11:56 in the morning, Pryor made his escape from the parking lot of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Emergency Room, located at 34th and Spruce Streets, as per CBS News. The teenager was not cuffed, police said.
According to Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore, Pryor was able to evade staff and flee the vicinity on foot, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Vanore disclosed that the teen entered and exited nearby buildings, seeking assistance and, at one juncture, requesting the use of someone's phone.
"When staff pulled up in the driveway of Children's Hospital, we now know through video evidence, as the male was exiting that car, he was able to escape from staff and run from this area on foot," Vanore said.
Investigators suspect that he made contact with an accomplice, who promptly picked him up in a vehicle, allowing Pryor to leave the area within an hour, as detailed by Vanore.
Law enforcement provided details on Pryor's physical appearance, describing him as a Black male, approximately 5-foot-7 and weighing around 180 pounds.
At the time of the incident, he was dressed in a blue sweatshirt and sweatpants, with socks and sandals.
Pryor's Arrest in 2020
In October 2020, Pryor, 14 at that time, and another teen called Harris William, 15, were arrested and were charged with killing 54-year-old Tanya Harris in an alleyway in Northeast Philadelphia.
Since that time, Pryor has been detained at the Juvenile Justice Services Center while his case progressed through the courts.
As Philadelphia Inquirer's report, on October 10, 2020, police allege that Pryor and Williams encountered Harris outside a corner store, then the three proceeded into an alley where, according to Pryor's statement to the police, he paid Harris for sexual services.
Surveillance footage reveals that approximately 10 minutes later, both teens hastily exited the alley. A few hours subsequently, a passerby discovered Harris' lifeless body slouched over a railing with a gunshot wound to her head.
Pryor confessed to detectives that he was in the alley at the time of the killing but asserted that he was not the one who fired the fatal shot. Instead, he claimed to be accompanied by a man in his late 20s from the neighborhood who allegedly wielded the gun and shot Harris.
Contrary to Pryor's account, the police contend that video evidence indicates he was actually with Williams.
Representing Pryor, Attorney Paul DiMaio describes the teenager as a mild-mannered kid who consistently asserted his innocence.
DiMaio suggests that Pryor may have escaped because of his fear, which may stem from uncertainty about the upcoming events in his case.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Police now regard the escaped individual as "dangerous," even though he was not armed at the time of his escape. They urge anyone who spots him to exercise caution and promptly report the sighting by calling 911.
@USMS_Philly is seeking assistance in locating escapee Shane Pryor, 17. Pryor is a murder suspect who escaped while being transported to a Phila hosptial. It is believed Pryor may be operating a stolen Ford F-150 with PA Tag ZTS-0503 . Tips can be called to 1-877-WANTED-2. pic.twitter.com/0ADZVheBDx
— U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia (@USMS_Philly) January 25, 2024
