An assault suspect slipped NYPD custody and took off into the Morrisania streets early Sunday morning, turning a routine arrest into a neighborhood manhunt, authorities said.
Police say the man managed to flee moments after being detained inside a building on Webster Avenue, prompting officers to spread out across the block in search of him. As of Sunday morning, there was no word from police that he had been caught.
According to News 12 New York, officers first apprehended the suspect inside 1348 Webster Ave., but he broke free and ran off on foot. Police sources told the outlet the man remained on the run while officers continued canvassing the area for any sign of him.
Police description and search
Investigators say the suspect was last seen wearing an orange-and-pink hooded sweatshirt along with grey sweatpants. Officers fanned out along nearby streets and checked surrounding buildings as part of the search, hoping someone might spot the distinctive outfit.
Possible charges for escaping custody
Walking out on the cops can do more than delay an arrest. Under New York law, escaping police custody can mean additional criminal charges. New York Penal Law lays out several degrees of escape offenses, ranging from a class A misdemeanor in the third degree to class E or D felonies for more serious circumstances, per Justia.
Authorities have not released the suspect's name as of Sunday morning. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD. This story will be updated as officials release more details.
