An Arab who was illegally in Israel managed to escaped from police custody on his way to Ofer Prison near Jerusalem. The Arab escaped from a police vehicle on his way to detention in the prison. Police have begun an intensive search for him, although they say he is not considered a security threat.
According to reports, the vehicle the prisoner was traveling in reached the prison, and the guards transporting him let their attention slip as they dealt with the paperwork for transferring him. The Arab jumped out of the vehicle and began running in the direction of Ramallah. Border Patrol officers immediately began pursuing, but he managed to get away from them and had yet to be found.
He was not handcuffed or otherwise restrained because he was not considered dangerous, police said. A police source said that the area where he escaped from was very close to the border of Palestinian Authority controlled areas, and that it is unlikely he will be caught. Police said they would review the matter with the aim of preventing a repetition of the incident.