The Lauderhill Police Department is ramping up efforts to apprehend 31-year-old Gerald Pendergrass, who daringly made a break for freedom Thursday night. While being detained by police for an alleged participation in a retail theft in Palm Beach County, Pendergrass managed to wrest free and escape, sending authorities on an urgent manhunt. The escape occurred near the 3800 block of Northwest Fourth Place in Lauderhill, as reported by Local10 News.
Amid their investigation, the Lauderhill Police have cautioned residents in the vicinity to stay vigilant, lock their doors and report any sightings. The incident left police with a perimeter established but no capture, prohibiting entry to vehicles and pedestrians. Wrapped in the dark of night, the prisoner believed to be handcuffed still, eluded capture, prompting a substantial search operation. Sources close to the manhunt shared that a description of the prisoner hadn't been immediately provided to the public.
In a bid to solicit the public's assistance, the authorities have urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of Pendergrass to contact the Lauderhill Police Department at 954-497-4700 or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. NBC Miami reports that police have confirmed Pendergrass's involvement in the Palm Beach County aggravated store robbery and that he took off while being conveyed by police.
As the search intensifies, local authorities have not yet confirmed sightings or the capture of Pendergrass. The community, shaken by the events, watch and wait as the escaped prisoner, who was in the process of being transported, remains at large. The Lauderhill Police Department continues their call for public vigilance, indicating that the handcuffed man who police say is trained at evading law enforcement, is not to be approached.
