There was a heavy law enforcement presence in Hillsborough as a search continued Tuesday afternoon for a convicted murderer, who escaped earlier in the day. During a late afternoon press conference Thursday, the Department of Adult Correction said it is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the escapee's capture.
Prison officials said guards were taking Ramone Alston, 30, to a medical appointment when he escaped. Officers on the ground and in the air are searching in the area around UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus.
"He escaped from custody around 7 a.m. when the transport vehicle arrived at UNC Gastroenterology," the North Carolina Department of Corrections said. "He had freed himself from leg restraints and, still in handcuffs, jumped out and ran into adjacent woods."
Officials said officers from multiple agencies were checking anywhere Alston could be hiding, including outbuildings, unlocked cars and ravines.
“While the number one objective is to locate where Alston is, it is also imperative that we determine where he is not. Efforts will continue until Alston is in custody,” said Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders. "We have 114 active personnel searching for this individual. Our primary focus and aim to reassure the community that they are safe. We are going door to door doing thorough searches. We want to determine where he is not hiding."
UNC Hospitals Hillsborough Campus went on lockdown for a short time after the escape, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. The hospital lockdown was lifted at about 8:45 a.m., but officials continue to search for Alston.
"[Alston] fled from the hospital campus, and law enforcement immediately began searching for him," Alan Wolf with UNC Health said. "UNC Hospitals police worked with law enforcement to increase security at the Hillsborough campus."
"Do not approach him. Call 911," Hillsborough town officials said before the lockdown was lifted.
A jury convicted Alston in the 2015 Christmas Day killing of a 1-year-old in a drive-by shooting in Chapel Hill. He was found guilty in 2018. Alston was charged in the death of 1-year-old Maleah Williams.
Related article: Ramone Alston found guilty of first-degree murder, sentenced to life in prison
Prosecutors said Alston and his friend, Pierre Je Bron Moore, opened fire in a drive-by shooting at an apartment complex in Chapel Hill. A bullet hit Williams, and she died three days later.