Manhunt for Escaped Inmate Zeroes in on Framingham; Officials Keep Tight Lips

PROVIDENCE, RI — The manhunt continues for a fugitive who escaped from federal prison in Rhode Island and was spotted in Framingham this week, according to the Framingham Police Department, although officials are confirming little else.

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, including from the Framingham Police Department, have placed him in Framingham, but authorities would not confirm that information Tuesday.

"We've increased our community action teams within the town of Framingham, Mass.," one Massachusetts State Police official said. "It's not to say he's there or not, but we're giving it everything we have."

To residents, he advised, "Be vigilant. ... Citizens and people in those neighborhoods should just be vigilant and, if they get any information at all, contact police."

Framingham Police issued an alert to be on the lookout for Morales, stating he was seen in the Downtown area of Framingham on Sunday evening.

Morales was added to Massachusetts "Most Wanted" list Tuesday. 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.

"Our immediate priority is to find James Morales and get him off the street. Mr. Morales has the potential to be dangerous," Rhode Island officials said Tuesday afternoon. "We know that he is a dangerous individual. We are very careful to note that he may be armed."

Officials there, in a press conference, refused to discuss the evidence assembled in the case so far, and conceded few specifics, including where he is being sought.

He was in custody for the theft of weapons from a federal armory in Worcester, Mass., in 2015 and was awaiting trial. The updated Wanted poster additionally details past charges of Aggravated Rape of a Child, Rape of a Child with Force and Assault and Battery of a Child.

Morales reportedly escaped prison by scaling a basketball hoop and cutting through the prison's fence.He is considered dangerous, according to Massachusetts State Police.

According to police investigators, Morales stole a car from the parking lot of a Burger King in Attleboro. That car, a green Chevy Lumina with Rhode Island plates, was found in Framingham, according to multiple reports, including NECN, which reports the stolen car was found on Irving Street near Morales' ex-girlfriend's home in Framingham.

FOX 25 previously reported Morales was spotted on Gordon Street, and shared an interview with a witness who claims to have encountered him at her front door. The woman told the station Morales knocked on her door New Year's Eve, appearing calm, "no stress, no nothing," in gray sweatpants and a black-hooded sweatshirt. She did not realize who he was at the time, she told FOX 25.

Authorities have not confirmed either outlet's report, and did not offer new details during Tuesday's press conference.

Pressed for more information, an official with the U.S Marshal's Service repeated, "I really can't get into the details of the case. Our focus is to find James Morales."

Morales is approximately 6 feet, 175 lbs, with brown skin and black hair. He most likely has cuts or other injuries sustained during his escape. He is bald and has an eagle tattoo on the left side of his neck.

Authorities ask that anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Morales contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-800-336-0102.

If anyone encounters Morales, authorities urge that they do not approach him, and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Image via Mass. State Police

Editor's Note: Patch has updated this story to clarify that Morales has been charged with, not convicted of, aggravated rape of a child, rape of a child with force, and assault and battery of a child.