Deputies on Tuesday were searching for a dangerous inmate who escaped while being transported to the UNC Hospitals Hillsborough campus.
Before 8 a.m., the Orange County Sheriff’s Office was searching for Ramone Alston, 30, described as Black a man wearing a gray T-shirt, khaki pants and white New Balance tennis shoes. He was also seen wearing handcuffs connected to a belly chain with a black box over the junction.
Alston was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder at the Bertie Correctional Institution.
Alston escaped Tuesday while he was being transported to receive care at UNC Gastroenterology at Hillsborough, located at 460 Waterstone Drive, according to the state Department of Adult Corrections (DAC).
According to DAC, Alston escaped from custody around 7 a.m. when the prison transport van arrived at UNC Gastroenterology. He freed himself from leg restraints and, still in handcuffs, jumped out and ran into the adjacent woods. He was never treated.
The UNC Hospitals Hillsborough campus was on lockdown for a short period of time, according to a spokesperson. The lockdown was lifted around 8:45 a.m.
At 9:30 a.m., Orange County deputies were using dogs to search a wooded area near the hospital. A helicopter was also being used in the search. According to DAC, Alston has friends and family who live in the area.
Around 9 a.m., several Orange County Sheriff’s Office vehicles were parked near a neighborhood along Great Eno Path, located 0.5 miles from the hospital.
Alston was convicted in the 2015 death of 1-year-old Maleah Williams, who was shot while she was outside playing at the family’s apartment in Chapel Hill.
Police said the girl was killed when shots were fired from a vehicle leaving the apartment complex. One of the bullets struck the girl, who was apparently an innocent bystander. She died three days later after she was taken off life support.
Anyone who sees Alston is asked to call 911 immediately or the Bertie Correctional Institution at 252-794-8600.
UNC Health released the following statement: “The safety of our teammates, patients and visitors is the top priority for us. We are grateful for our law enforcement partners’ rapid response.”
Durham Technical Community College’s Orange County campus was also on lockdown as a result. Students, teachers and staff were asked to not come to campus.
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