Prison break: 174 inmates flee after killing guard

Most inmates of a northern Haitian prison escaped on Saturday after killing a guard and stealing firearms. The authorities that launched a manhunt with support from UN peacekeepers for the 174 fugitives on Sunday disclosed this in Arcahaie (Haiti).



A witness said the police set up checkpoints on roads leading from the prison and detained several people without identity cards. The prison official said on condition of anonymity that the 266 inmates of Arcahaie prison do not wear uniforms, making it easier for escapees to mingle outside. The official said that 11 inmates were caught during the break, which happened during a period when some were bathing.

He said the inmates broke into an area used by the guards, stealing at least five rifles among other weapons and shot dead one guard. Haiti’s Minister of Justice, Camille Edouard-Junior, said one prisoner died after falling off a wall and hitting his head during the escape from the Arcahaie prison. “One guard was killed during the incident,” Edouard Junior told Reuters.

“Three prisoners were wounded, including one who died as a consequence of his wounds,’’ he said. Edouard-Junior said in the aftermath of the escape, the guard’s bloodied body lay at the prison and discarded sandals were scattered on the ground.

NAN