Attempted-Murder Convict Escapes State Custody In NJ: Police

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ — A man convicted of attempted murder escaped state custody, according to Mount Laurel police said Tuesday.

Edward Berbon had been in state custody since 2004. Assigned to a halfway house, Berbon was on a work detail in Mount Laurel during his escape, authorities said.

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

Police advised the public to call 911 if he's seen. Those with relevant information can contact the New Jersey Department of Corrections's (NJDOC) Fugitive Unit at 1-800-523-3829.

It wasn't immediately clear at what time Berbon may have escaped or where he was working in Mount Laurel. Township police alerted the public of his escape at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, relaying info from the NJDOC.

In 2005, Berbon was sentenced to up to 22 years in prison for an attempted murder from the year prior, according to state records. He was scheduled for release on Feb. 12.

He's been in state custody for the conviction since Sept. 14, 2004. He was also incarcerated from May 2002 to April 2004 for a robbery.

Both offenses occurred in Mercer County, according to state records.