Escaped Inmate Found Hiding in Rural Home After Christmas Eve Jailbreak
A large-scale manhunt for a 37-year-old convicted felon who escaped from Hustad Prison in Norway on Christmas Eve concluded early Sunday morning with his discovery hiding in a vacant home. The escapee, a Moroccan national, was apprehended after a search that involved local residents and law enforcement.
According to Møre and Romsdal police district operations manager Jørgen Molnes, “Traces at the scene indicate this is the escapee from Hustad.” The police found a note in the house that linked to one from hustad Prison, along with evidence the inmate had been cooking and eating. “We expect that he only lived in the house and ate food,” Molnes told NTB.
The search, which initially yielded no results, involved a significant mobilization of resources. “Several residents of the small town were out with cars and tractors to assist the police,” Molnes added. the homeowner’s family member discovered the inmate and alerted authorities after returning to their vacant rental property, which had been empty for the Christmas holidays.
The police initially reported the escape on Christmas Eve, stating that the man, who had been serving time for a long series of thefts and recently received a five-year sentence for 25 profit offenses and carrying a knife, was wanted both nationally and internationally. “The man is wanted both nationally and internationally,” the police announced in a previous statement. Authorities emphasized that they did not believe the man posed a danger to the public, despite his escape from a high-security ward.
Local Residents Join the Search
The incident highlights the community’s involvement in the search effort. The willingness of local residents to assist law enforcement underscores the collaborative spirit often seen in small towns facing extraordinary circumstances. The police received the initial break-in report at 9:03 PM on Saturday.
The search concluded at 2:22 AM on Sunday, according to Molnes’s report in the police log. while the specifics of the escape remain under investigation, the swift resolution of the manhunt is a testament to the combined efforts of law enforcement and the community.
Published: January 5, 2025, 12:37 AM EST. Updated: January 5, 2025, 2:46 AM EST.
