Attempted-Murder Convict Who Escaped NJ Custody Went Missing Last Weekend: State

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ — An inmate convicted of attempted murder who escaped custody has been missing since Saturday, state officials told Patch.

The search for Edward Berbon continued Wednesday morning. Berbon, a halfway house resident, has been unaccounted for since completing his work shift Saturday in Mount Laurel, according to a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC).

Mount Laurel police announced Tuesday that Berbon escaped custody, relaying info from the NJDOC. Read more: Attempted-Murder Convict Escapes State Custody In NJ: Police

"We have no information that Mr. Berbon poses any threat to the public," said the Mount Laurel Police Department.

Berbon, 54, had been in state custody since September 2004 — nearly two months after the attempted murder in Mercer County. He was sentenced in June 2005 to up to 22 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 18 years, 8 months and 10 days.

His release was scheduled for Feb. 12, according to state records.

Since Jan. 19, Berbon has been living in Hope Hall — a residential program in Camden that helps prison inmates return to community life.

On Saturday, Berbon failed to report to a community program after his shift at an unspecified retail job in Mount Laurel, authorities said. Officials initiated a walkaway protocol at 8:45 p.m. that evening.

It's unclear where officials believe Berbon might be. But Mount Laurel PD has "no information to indicate that he is currently in Mount Laurel," the agency said.

The NJDOC's Special Investigation Division is investigating his escape.

Berbon is 6 feet tall and 250 pounds, with blue eyes and brown/gray hair, officials said.

Police advised the public to call 911 if he's seen. Those with relevant information can contact the NJDOC's Special Investigation Unit at 1-800-523-3829.