Extremely Dangerous Murderer Escapes From Custody in North Carolina

North Carolina, USA - A convicted murderer, Ramone Alston, 30, managed to escape from custody while being transported to a medical appointment at UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus in North Carolina. The escape, which occurred on Tuesday morning, has prompted a massive manhunt involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

Alston, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of a 1-year-old girl on Christmas Day in 2015, broke free from his leg restraints while still handcuffed and fled into the nearby woods. The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction has described him as extremely dangerous and unpredictable, urging the public not to approach him if spotted but to immediately call 911.

The escape took place as officers were removing Alston from a Department of Adult Correction vehicle in the hospital parking lot. "As they pulled up to the back entrance of the hospital and as they were removing Mr. Alston from the vehicle, he broke away from the officers in the parking lot and ran to the woods," explained Keith Acree, Communications Director for the department.

Alston was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt, brown pants, and white New Balance sneakers, with his hands still cuffed in front of him. Despite the restraints, he managed to evade capture, leading authorities to believe he may have had assistance in planning his escape. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood noted, "Somebody knows out there that this was planned, and they know who's involved in it."

The search for Alston has been extensive, with over 680 acres combed by search teams using aerial assets, helicopters, and canine units. The U.S. Marshals Service has contributed to the effort by offering an additional $10,000 to the reward for information leading to Alston's capture, bringing the total reward to $35,000.

Authorities have expressed concern due to Alston's familiarity with the area, as he grew up not far from the hospital and the scene of the crime for which he was convicted. Sheriff Blackwood, who has known Alston since he was a child, described him as a "troubled child" with a history of criminal activity. "He's extremely cagey; he's extremely dangerous, and he has nothing to lose," Blackwood stated.

The escape has also raised questions about the security measures in place during prisoner transport. Alston was being transferred from Bertie Correctional Institution, located more than two hours away, for a medical procedure. The specifics of the procedure and the reason for the long-distance transport have not been disclosed, but it is known that UNC contracts with the Department of Adult Correction to provide care.

The incident has led to heightened security measures in the area, including a temporary lockdown at UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus and Durham Technical Community College's Orange County campus. The hospital has since lifted the lockdown but continues to work closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.

As the search enters its second day, law enforcement officials remain optimistic about capturing Alston. "We're following rock-solid leads, and we're confident we'll find him," said Kirby Saunders, Director of Orange County Emergency Services. However, as of now, Alston remains at large, and the community is urged to stay vigilant.

This escape adds to a troubling statistic, as Alston is now one of 33 inmates currently on the run from custody in North Carolina. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for improved security protocols and the challenges of managing high-risk prisoners during medical transports.