UPDATE: Air And Ground Search On For Subject In Berkeley Near Exit 77

Multiple police departments and law enforcement agencies set up a command post at the Bayville firehouse early this morning, for a subject possibly in the woods, according to the Jersey Shore Scanner News Facebook page.

Arthur Buckel, who escaped from Bayside State Prison earlier this week, recently used a phone to call his mother. He was last seen at the Lacey rest area on the Garden State Parkway, the post says.

New Jersey State Police are checking the median of the parkway near Exit 77. Aviation and ground units are searching the area with K-9 dogs and infrared and thermal cameras, according to the post.

"Please use caution and avoid the area," the post states.

The Berkeley Township Facebook page said both Berkeley and Lacey police are assisting in the search for a "continuous presence" near the parkway. Berkeley police will have additional officers on patrol through the morning hours.

"There is no indication of any danger in Berkeley Township at this time," the post states.

Hundreds of police swarmed Barnegat earlier this week looking for Buckel, who escaped from Bayside State prison, stole a car, then abandoned it in Barnegat. The state Department of Correct is the lead agency on the investigation.

Patch will update when more information is available.