Police: 'No Reason to Believe' Fugitive Still in Framingham; 'No Proof That He Is Not'

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Town officials are still urging caution regarding an escaped fugitive last seen in Framingham, but police say 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.”

James Morales was spotted in Framingham on New Year's Day after escaping from a Rhode Island prison and allegedly stealing a car near Attleboro. According to multiple news reports, the stolen car was found near an ex-girlfriend's home in Framingham. Morales also has connections to Cambridge and Somerville, according to Massachsuetts State Police.

A search is being led by the the U.S. Marshall’s Office in Rhode Island with the assistance of the F.B.I and the Massachusetts State Police. The Framingham Police Department is assisting those lead agencies in the manhunt.

Read more: 'Turn Yourself In,' Urge Officials as Escaped Inmate Added to Mass. Most Wanted List

In a joint statement issued Wednesday, Framingham Town Selectmen shared the above quote from Acting Chief Trask. Additionally, in the release:

Selectmen Chairman, Cheryl Tully Stoll, said, “Our police department is dedicating substantial resources to this effort, but the direction of the investigation and much of the related communications are being controlled by federal and state authorities. The town is limited regarding what we can do or publicly say to insure that we don’t inadvertently compromise an ongoing federal fugitive pursuit.”

Town Manager Robert Halpin pledged that the police department will continue to receive the support necessary from the administration until this situation is resolved.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Providence charged Morales with escaping from the Attorney General's custody. According to the WPRI, he is facing up to five years in prison plus a $250,000 fine.

Image via Mass. State Police