Inquiries continue to locate a prisoner who, while under the supervision of Corrective Services, escaped from a hospital on the Mid North Coast this morning.
Just before 8am (Sunday 25 August 2019), police responded following reports a prisoner, who was being treated under guard by officers from Corrective Services NSW, absconded from Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
On arrival, officers from Mid North Coast Police District were told one of the guards discharged a ‘warning shot’ from his firearm during the escape.
A large-scale search involving local police, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, the Dog Unit and PolAir, was launched to locate 28-year-old, Matthew Furner.
He was in custody for a variety of offences, including traffic offences, and goods in custody.
He was last seen running west from the Oxley Highway near Lake Road.
While the physical search has now been suspended, investigations will continue to locate the escapee, with further searches to be conducted when relevant information is received.
Detective Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty, from Mid North Coast Police District, has urged anyone who sights Mr Furner not to approach him, but contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.
“We can ensure the community we are doing everything to locate this man, but in the meantime we would urge residents to be extra vigilant with home and vehicle security. Ensure your homes and vehicles are locked and keep an eye out for suspicious activity,” Detective Inspector Flaherty said.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
