Two Men Escape from Borås Detention Center, Police Launch Manhunt
Two prisoners have escaped from a detention center in Borås, leading to an extensive police search.
Key Points
- • Two prisoners escaped from a Borås detention facility on Sunday morning.
- • Escape may have involved scaffolding and a feigned medical emergency.
- • Police emphasize public safety but advise against intervening if the escapees are spotted.
- • An internal investigation has been launched by the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.
On Sunday morning, two prisoners successfully escaped from a detention facility in Borås, Sweden, prompting a significant police response and an ongoing search operation. The incident unfolded around 9 AM while facility staff were managing two simultaneous alarms in the yard, which created a diversion that the men exploited to flee by breaching several fences. By 8:30 PM, police confirmed that both escapees remained at large.
The escapees, aged 25 and 30, were serving lengthy sentences for serious crimes: the 25-year-old for incitement to violent crimes and assisting in major violent offenses, while the 30-year-old was incarcerated for arson. Both were initially dressed in correctional facility garments, specifically green sweatpants and tops, though it is suspected they may have changed outfits during their escape.
Authorities have emphasized that there is currently no concrete threat to public safety. Police spokesperson Christian Brattgård advised the public not to intervene if they spot the escapees but to contact law enforcement immediately. Amidst this manhunt, police are conducting searches in the surrounding area and even temporarily halted train services for about 90 minutes to facilitate the investigation.
An internal inquiry has been launched by the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, especially as the incident raises concerns regarding facility security, exacerbated by a reported shortage of space in correctional facilities. Joakim Righammar, head of the security division at the agency, highlighted the seriousness of the escape and the priority placed on recapturing the individuals. Potential details about their escape involve scaffolding and a ruse concerning a medical emergency, whereby another inmate simulated an epileptic seizure to aid in the plan.
The police continue to seek public assistance in locating the men, reinforcing their commitment to ensure the escapees are returned to custody swiftly.