By Roxana Navarro
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina reported the escape of an inmate who had been taken to a hospital for a medical consultation, but escaped after freeing himself from leg restraints and handcuffs, jumping out of the truck, then running into the adjacent woods.
The Orange County sheriff shared that the inmate, identified as Ramone Jamarr Alston, 30, who is an African American male, was wearing a gray T-shirt, brown pants and white New Balance tennis shoes.
Alston escaped from a Department of Adult Corrections vehicle at approximately 7 a.m., when the vehicle arrived at UNC Hillsborough Hospital where he was scheduled to see a gastroenterologist. Authorities say the inmate has family and friends in the area.
Massive search
Officers were immediately alerted to the escape and officers launched a massive search around the hospital and within a one- to two-mile radius. Officers searched all buildings, ravines, unlocked vehicles and any area that could serve as a hiding place for Alston.
Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders said in a statement, “While the number one goal is to locate where Alston is, it is also imperative that we determine where he is not. Efforts will continue until Alston is in custody.”
He is serving a life sentence for murder
Ramone Alston is serving a life sentence at Bertie Correctional Facility in Windsor for the Christmas Day 2015 murder of 1-year-old Maleah Williams, sheriffs said.
The girl’s death happened when someone opened fire from a vehicle in Chapel Hill. The girl was playing outside her apartment when shots were fired. Alston’s defense said he was there, but did not kill the girl. Two other men were arrested.
Cars, windows and doors closed
Alston was convicted of first-degree murder in 2018 and sentenced to life in prison, according to the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is asking people in the area described to keep doors, vehicles and windows locked, and to report any suspicious activity by calling 911.
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