Manhunt for James Morales Ends

CRANSTON, RI — UPDATE: The manhunt has ended for a fugitive who escaped from federal prison in Rhode Island on New Year's Eve.

SEE: Caught: RI Fugitive James Morales

In a press conference that yielded little detail Tuesday, the U.S. Marshal's Service did have one clear message, and it was to escapee James Morales: "Turn yourself in."

Morales, a former U.S. Army Reservist, escaped a federal prison in Rhode Island on New Year's Eve and was last known to be near Attleboro, according to authorities. Multiple subsequent reports have placed him in Framingham, and Framingham Police confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

He was reportedly spotted in surveillance footage and encountered by a person in Massachusetts this week.

Framingham police warned residents to be vigilant. Police said at this time they have "no reason to believe that the fugitive is still in town."

"But," Acting Police Chief Steve Trask said in a statement issued Wednesday, "we also have no proof that he is not. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious to our department immediately. The suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous.”

Also Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Providence charged him with escaping from the Attorney General's custody. According to WPRI, he is facing up to five years in prison plus a $250,000 fine. The court papers were sealed also Tuesday.

Morales was added to Massachusetts "Most Wanted" list. An updated "Wanted" poster from Mass. State Police advises that Morales, known to have a previous address in Cambridge and connections to Framingham, also has Somerville connections.

The updated poster also details past convictions for Aggravated Rape of a Child, Rape of a Child with Force and Assault and Battery of a Child.

Morales climbed a basketball hoop and cutting through fencing to escape the Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls, Rhode Island, the warden said Monday.

Police say he then stole a green Chevy with Rhode Island plates from a Burger King in Attleboro. Authorities said Sunday night that they recovered the car, but did not say where. Reports Monday said the car was found in Framingham.

Warden Daniel W. Martin said Morales was found to be missing during a 10:30 p.m. inmate count, and video shows him escaping at 7 p.m.

Two correctional officers have been placed on paid leave, according to multiple reports.

"On Saturday, Dec. 31 at approximately 11 p.m., it was determined through a facility count that Detainee Morales was not present in his cell," Martin said. "Preliminary investigation reveals that Detainee Morales was last seen during outside recreation."

Morales was in custody for the theft of weapons from a federal armory in Worcester, Mass., in 2015 and awaiting trial.

A K-9 unit tracked his scent to the area under a Route 95 overpass near the Rhode Island line, where the track ended. At that location police found what appears to be discarded prison clothing. The clothing had blood on it; it is believed he suffered wounds from barbed wire during his escape.

The investigation further indicated that he stole a car from the parking lot of a Burger King in Attleboro. The car stolen from the Burger King lot was a green Chevy Lumina with Rhode Island plate 408696.

In a statement Monday, Central Falls Mayor James Diossa called the escape "unacceptable."

“It is extremely concerning that the safety and welfare of our city residents were placed in jeopardy due to this incident. As the host community for a detention center holding federal detainees, we expect a high level of safety and security for our residents. The Police Chief, Colonel James Mendonca, and I have been in constant contact with the Detention Center Administration and the U.S Marshals Service and we collectively communicated that this threat to the public safety is unacceptable. We are currently awaiting a full briefing on what has occurred in order to address the current situation as well as to ensure that this never happens again.”

Morales is considered dangerous. He is approximately 6 feet, 175 lbs, with brown skin and black hair. He most likely has laceration injuries sustained during his escape. He is bald and has an eagle tattoo on the left side of his neck, a tattoo on his right hand saying KING, and a tattoo on the left hand of a crown with the name Sherrelle.

One prior address was in Cambridge. He also has connections to the Framingham and Somerville areas, as well as New York City.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts, or who thinks they see him, should immediately call 911.

These are additional photos of Morales and his neck tattoo:

Top photo: James Morales. (Credit: Massachusetts State Police)

Mike Carraggi and Alison Bauter, Patch Staff, contributed to this report