UPDATE: Franklin County search for prison escapees continues

The New York State Police on Tuesday continued efforts in Franklin County to locate escaped prisoners Richard Matt and David Sweat. The two men escaped from the Clinton Correction Facility on June 6. This past weekend, State Police discovered evidence that the escapees spent time in a seasonal camp near Owls Head.

More than 1,000 law enforcement officers from state, local and federal agencies are involved in this search, including Conservation Officers and Forest Rangers from the Department of Environmental Conservation, officers from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Vermont State Police, Plattsburgh Police, and the Clinton and Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. The State Police are also using aviation and canine units in an effort to track the suspects.

The search area involves a large portion of Franklin County, including the town of Bellmont, which is mostly rural with very rugged, mountainous terrain.

On Tuesday, law enforcement officers focused search efforts on seasonal camps, going door-to-door looking for any signs of break-ins or any other unusual activity. Law enforcement is also again asking the owners of seasonal camps in the region to make sure their camp is secure, and if they notice anything unusual or out of place to call 911.

On Monday night, a resident on Fayette Road on Titus Mountain reported a possible sighting of the two escapees. Law enforcement spent several hours searching the area and did not find any signs of the suspects.

The public should not hesitate to report any suspicious activity including any signs of a trespass, burglary or vehicle larceny. Contact 911, your local law enforcement agency, or the New York State Police to report any information related to this investigation at (518) 563-3761 or 1-800-GIVETIP. Tips can also be sent by email to crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

The New York State Police are reminding residents of the region to remain vigilant and take necessary safety precautions. The escapees are extremely dangerous. If anyone believes that they have spotted either suspect, they should call 911 immediately. Do not approach or attempt to engage the escapees.

As this search continues, the State Police are moving the current command post in Franklin County from the Owl’s Head Fire Department  to the Titus Mountain Ski Center.

Media in the Franklin County area should continue to stage at St. Joseph’s Church, Route 27, Owl’s Head, NY.