Lusignan prison inmate escapes, supervising officer under close arrest

A manhunt was launched for convicted prisoner, Jose Awad, who escaped from the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday.

The incident occurred around 13:00 hrs.  Awad from Redlock Lima Sand, Essequibo, is serving a two-years sentence for break and enter and simple larceny.

In a press statement, the Guyana Prison Service said Awad made good his escape after he was left unsupervised while labouring at the snackette in the compound of the Cecil Kilkenny Training School.

As such, the supervising officer who was on duty at the time will be placed under close arrest to facilitate the investigation.

“Several search teams are in different area in an effort to recapture the inmate,” the prison service said in the statement.

The Director of Prisons (ag) Nicklon Elliot is also appealing with members of the public to provide any information that may lead to the recapture of Awad.

“An appeal is also made to the escapee to surrender to the police or relevant authority, to avoid any serious confrontation that is likely to result in the use of force.

“All information will be treated with a high degree of confidence and also the rights of the escapee will be respected and upheld,” the statement noted.