Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Police Report Finding $1,300 in Drugs Recapturing Escaped Prisoner

On the loose throughout Thursday, an escaped prisoner caused several schools to increase security.

Philadelphia Police apprehended an escaped prisoner Thursday in Germantown after nearly a three-hour manhunt tracked him through Andorra and caused several schools to increase security measures.

Terrence Stockton, 19, is held on two gun-related charges, including attempted murder, according to a joint press release from police and the Family Court Office of Juvenile Probation. While being transported to the Danville Youth Detention Center, he escaped police custody in the area of Henry Avenue and Cathedral Road. 

Earlier reports said he escaped around 8:50 a.m., but according to the most recent information, it was closer to 11 a.m.

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A police official told Patch that Stockton asked to use a bathroom in the area and made the escape.

In the release, police identified Stockton as a member of the M-16 gang.

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"This is a very dangerous and violent criminal who was taken off the streets of our city today,” Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross said in the release.  

Police told Patch they apprehended Stockton on Homer Street in the 14th district late Thursday afternoon. He was taken into custody without incident, police said. This was approximately 6 miles from where he escaped, according to MapQuest.com.

The manhunt was conducted by a 10-person team comprised of police and Family Court's Juvenile Enforcement team. In recapturing Stockton, police found $1,300 worth of marijuana at the house. 

Although initial reports stated that a number of schools were locked down as a result of Stockton's escape in Andorra, many were not. Some schools did not know about the incident prior to a call from Patch and others said they did not go into lockdown. Immaculate Heart of Mary secured the building and did not allow the students to go out for recess. Shawmont Elementary also did not let the students out for recess. Click here for an entire list of local schools and how they responded.

At this hour, police are conducting an investigation to determine how Stockton may have escaped. Police told Patch they did not know how he got from Andorra to Germantown.

Editor's note: An earlier version reported different information, later updated by the Philadelphia Police. This edition includes police's most recent statement.


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