Escape Artist Captured After Daring Prison Break in North Carolina
A prisoner serving a life sentence for murder, Ramone Alston, was apprehended in the early hours of Friday at a hotel in Kannapolis, North Carolina, following his escape earlier in the week.
Details of the Escape
Alston, 30, managed to escape from a transport van this past Tuesday. The incident occurred as the van arrived at the UNC Gastroenterology hospital in Hillsborough for his medical appointment. Reports indicate that he freed himself from leg restraints before fleeing into nearby woods while still handcuffed, as confirmed by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction.
Timely Capture
Law enforcement officers captured Alston around 2 a.m. at a hotel located approximately 110 miles southwest of where he escaped. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported during the arrest, as confirmed by officials in a news release.
“I am grateful to our DAC staff and thankful for the support and effort from hundreds of local, state and federal public safety officers who helped in the search and investigation that returned Alston safely to custody,” said Todd Ishee, Secretary of the Department. He highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the swift resolution of the situation.
Background on Ramone Alston
Alston has been serving a life sentence at the Bertie Correctional Institution since his conviction for the tragic murder of 1-year-old Maleah Williams. The young girl was shot while playing outside her family’s apartment in Chapel Hill on Christmas Day in 2015; she succumbed to her injuries three days later.
Charges and Additional Arrests
Following his escape, Alston is expected to face charges of felony escape. Authorities indicated that he would be transferred to a high-security unit within the state prison system.
In a further development, a woman identified as an acquaintance of Alston was arrested shortly after his capture in Alamance County. She has been charged with felony aiding and abetting a fugitive. Authorities have stated that anyone else involved in assisting his escape may also face legal repercussions.
