Escaped Killers: Scent Picked up Near Prison by Bloodhounds
DANNEMORA, N.Y., June 10 (UPI) — Bloodhounds on Wednesday have apparently picked up the scent of the two convicted murders who escaped from a New York prison.
The scent was picked up about three miles away from the Clinton Correctional Facility, where prison guards realized Richard Matt, 48, and David Sweat, 34, escaped sometime before a 5:30 a.m. bed check on Saturday. A large-perimeter search has been set up around the area of the scent, where an apparent location where the inmates slept was also found.
Food wrappers and an imprint from a shoe or boot were also found in the area. The suspects apparently did not have a getaway vehicle, so it seems they’ve been traveling on foot.
Following a new lead regarding the whereabouts of two escaped killers, authorities closed a stretch of highway near the Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York on Wednesday night.
Authorities closed part of Route 374, between Dannemora and West Plattsburgh, which is located about three miles from the prison.
Police also urged residents to stay inside their homes and turn exterior lights on, NBC News reported late Wednesday.
The road is expected to be closed for hours, officials said.
“Route 374 is likely to remain closed through the morning. Residents can expect an increased police presence in that area,” the New York State Police said on its website.
Authorities didn’t specify exactly what they were looking for or what tip they received, but motorists traveling the road were stopped and vehicles were inspected by New York State troopers.
Earlier Wednesday, officials said they had expanded the search north to Vermont, where police believe the fugitives could be headed.
“New York was going to be hot and Vermont … cooler in terms of law enforcement,” Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin said.
