Search Continues for Escaped Prisoner in New Jersey

By ANTHONY BELLANO and DANIEL HUBBARD

There is police activity in the area of Pestleton Road in Waterford Township related to the search for a man who escaped from Bayside State Prison on the grounds of the Ancora State Hospital on Tuesday.

Arthur Buckel, 37, escaped from the prison around 6 a.m., and headed in an unknown direction, Winslow Police said. Police believe his ultimate destination may be Clifton in Passaic County.

He is described as a white man, standing about 5'9" and weighing about 180 pounds, with brown hair, a goatee and a small tatoo under his left eye. It is unknown what clothing he was wearing. His image is attached to this post.

Authorities discovered he was missing during a 6 a.m. head count Tuesday, said spokesman Matt Schuman.

Buckel had been a sanitation worker at the prison, Schuman said.

Authorities are investigating how Buckel escaped. He could face an additional three to five years in prison due to the escape, Schuman said.

Buckel was serving a sentence for a burglary charge from Union County, Schuman said.

While in prison, he was convicted on burglary, aggravated assault, drug possession, and receiving stolen property charges out of Passaic County, Schuman said.

Anyone who sees him should not approach him, and should call 9-1-1 immediately.