SUNGAI PETANI, 21Jan 2009: Three detainees escaped by jumping out of a police van that was taking them to the Sungai Petani Prison, but one of them was recapture shortly after with the help of Sekolah Menengah Teknik 2 teachers today.
“We are still tracking down the other two detainees who escaped while handcuffed and we are sure they are still in this district,” Kuala Muda police chief ACP Hashim Ali said.
He said the three detainees got out through the window when the van was slowing down at the Sungai Petani Utara toll plaza in Sungai Lalang at about 2.30pm.
At the time, there were three police personnel guarding seven detainees in the van, which was coming from Ipoh. After three detainees escaped, one of the police personnel gave chase while the other two remained behind to guard the rest who were awaiting trial.
After jumping out of the van, the three escapees ran and climbed a wall before entering the school compound. One was caught after several teachers joined the chase.
Hashim said the police had launched a hunt and mobilised the K-9 unit to track down the two escapees. Roadblocks were also being mounted, he said.
The public with information on the escapees who are wearing blue and white lock-up uniforms are urged to contact the Kuala Muda Police District Headquarters at 04-4212 222. — Bernama
