Breaking: Fugitive from Hustad Prison Suspected to Have Hid Out in Vacant House
Police in Møre og Romsdal have reason to believe that the man who escaped from Hustad Prison on Christmas Eve has been hiding out in a vacant house in the area. Operations leader Jørgen Molnes revealed this information to NTB news agency.
"Situational clues at the scene suggest that this is the escapee from Hustad Prison," Molnes said. Finds include a note that can be linked to one the escapee had on him at the prison, a warm oven, and evidence of food consumption. There is no indication that anything has been stolen from the house.
"We believe he only stayed in the house and ate some food," Molnes added.
Locals Join Search Efforts
A Lithuanian family that leases and lives in the house was away for the holidays, leaving the house unoccupied. An alert was raised when a family member found someone hiding inside around 9 PM yesterday. Molnes reported that locals have joined the police in the search.
"There are people out in the streets helping us," he confirmed.
Residents of the small town have taken to the streets with their cars and tractors to assist in the manhunt.
Escape on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, police announced that a 37-year-old man of Moroccan origin had escaped from Hustad Prison, north of Molde. The man, who was serving time for a series of thefts, had been sentenced to five years in prison in November. He was being held in high-security custody pending an appeal.
Initial reports from police stated that the man did not pose a threat to the general public. However, given his suspected whereabouts, authorities urge caution and advise residents to remain vigilant.
The search continues.