There is now a new area of focus for the manhunt of two New York State prison fugitives who broke out of the facility June 6, and it is not far from the prison they escaped from, usatoday reports.
'Unconfirmed sighting' of Richard Matt and David Sweat near a railroad in the town of Friendship, New York drove a large number of officers in the area which was declared a "hot spot". There were about 300 law enforcement officers deployed for the search and canine and aircraft units were also sent, tells Maj. Michael Cerretto of the New York State Police in a press conference. However, this part of the search has been wrapped up but extra patrols were maintained for precaution.
The latest search is now in Owls Head, Franklin County which is 20-25 miles away from Clinton Correctional Facility. A command post has already been setup as focus of the search shifts to the area.
The U.S Marshals Service have now added Matt, 48, and Sweat, 35, to its list 15 most wanted fugitives, CNN reports. U.S. Marshals Service Director Stacia Hylton says the list "is reserved for the worst of the worst." "There is no question David Sweat and Richard Matt fall into this category."
A $75,000 bounty shall be awarded to anyone one who could provide information leading to their capture.
So far, efforts to put the fugitives back in prison counts to participation of 800 law enforcement officers, clearing of 200 abandoned buildings, hundreds of occupied homes, and more than 600 miles of rural trails, officials said.
"We're not going anywhere," New York State Police officer said. "Our plan is to pursue these men relentlessly until they are in custody."
Hunters and homeowners who have surveillance cameras were asked by the state police to review their video record history all the way to the day of the escape to check for unusual activity.
The search has already encompassed Canada and Mexico, with wanted posters spread at both borders to help with the soonest capture of the escapees who are deemed to be very dangerous and 'have nothing to lose'.
