16 days later, prisoner still on the loose

PRISON Commissioner Carlos Corraspe says Hakeem Ishmael Mohammed, from Wharf Trace, Maracas, St Joseph, has not been recaptured, 16 days after escaping custody, while being treated at the Eric Williams Medical Science Complex, Mt Hope on August 4.

A statement from the Prison Service said Mohammed escaped from the hospital's accident and emergency department around 3 am that day.

The Prison Service said he was considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached if seen.

Speaking to Newsday by phone on August 20, Corraspe said there had been an early lead on Mohammed's location, but it "did not result in his recapture."

He said an investigation into the escape is near completion.

"It is being reviewed as to whether there were breaches or allegations of misconduct.

"If that is the case, an investigating officer will be appointed and the relevant investigations will be made."

Corraspe once again issued an apology to the country and the other arms of the criminal justice system for the prisoner's escape.

"Every single (act of) criminal conduct that takes place, from the escape to now, is because we failed in our responsibilities and we'll try to do better."

Commenting on a viral social media video of a "prisoner escaping custody in Glencoe," Corraspe said, "It seems to be an old video making the rounds.

"It was also a person in police custody, and not a prisoner."

The authorities are asking anyone with information on Mohammed’s whereabouts to contact the nearest police station, 999, the prison authorities at 623-7070 or the Prisons Hotline at 800-PRSN (800-7776).