June 22, 2004 – Two inmates escaped from the St. Croix Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on Saturday. One was recaptured and another is still at large.
According to Territorial Police Chief Novelle Francis the police department was notified at 7:19 p.m. of an apparent prisoner escape at the St. Croix Golden Grove Correctional facility. Francis said a scheduled check of the inmates was made at 4 p.m. and when the next check was made at around 6 p.m. it was discovered that two inmates were missing.
Suhmied Morris of Estate Mon Bijou was captured several hours after the escape. He was apprehended by police officers in the vicinity of his girlfriend's residence.
Still at large is Manuel Melendez Jr., 20, who is serving time in connection with a 2nd degree robbery, according to Francis. An all points bulletin has been issued, said Francis. Melendez frequents the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion housing community in Frederiksted and the LaValle area on the north side of St. Croix. Francis said measures are in place to hasten the capture of Melendez. "We have increased patrols in areas he frequents, issued flyers, and alerted all ports," Francis said.John Traywick, Department of Corrections Director, said the department has deployed its special operations team to recapture the escaped inmate, although he declined to divulge specific details. "We have several operation in place and they are ongoing."
Additionally, the public can call the crime line at 777-8711 or the confidential line at 778-4950.
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