Philadelphia Police Searching for Escaped Inmate in University City

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia police are currently on the lookout for an escaped inmate in the University City section. The inmate, identified as 17-year-old Shane Pryor, was being held on charges of murder, conspiracy, and firearms offenses, according to court records.

Initially, U.S. Marshals were searching for a blue Ford truck in connection with the case. However, recent information has revealed that the truck is no longer a focus of the investigation, as per Action News sources.

Pryor had been in custody since the age of 14, awaiting trial for a murder that occurred in 2020. However, on Wednesday, he managed to escape from the emergency room parking lot at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The escape took place shortly before noon.

According to reports, Pryor was being escorted by two staff members after injuring his hand inside the juvenile justice center. It remains unclear how the injury occurred. Police have stated that Pryor was not handcuffed at the time of his escape, and it is unknown if he managed to remove any restraints.

Authorities have revealed that Pryor was last seen heading from the area of 34th and Spruce streets towards University Avenue and Civic Center Boulevard. He was described as wearing a blue sweatshirt, blue sweatpants, socks, and slides. It is possible that he may have removed the sweatshirt since then. Pryor stands at 5’7″ tall and weighs approximately 180 pounds.

Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore stated during a news conference that video evidence indicated Pryor had been able to enter and exit several buildings in the area. Vanore added that Pryor had been seen approaching individuals, asking for a phone or any means to leave the vicinity.

While police continue to search buildings and employ canine units to comb through large multi-level parking garages, no lockdowns have been implemented in the surrounding area. Additionally, officers are conducting checks at the homes of Pryor’s relatives in various parts of the city.

Paul DiMaio, Pryor’s defense attorney, revealed that his client has consistently maintained his innocence, even during his initial statement to the police. DiMaio also mentioned that a request to move the case back to juvenile court was denied in December, which could have influenced Pryor’s decision to flee.

Mother Pleads for Her Son to Surrender

In an emotional plea, Pryor’s mother, who chose to remain anonymous, urged her son to turn himself in. She stated, “Just turn yourself in so it doesn’t get any worse than it has to be… mommy is fighting for you, I’ll always be fighting for you.”

According to court documents, detectives allege that Pryor, at the age of 14, solicited the victim for sex before she was fatally shot by another individual in an alleyway in Holmesburg in October 2020. The courts decided in December that Pryor would be tried as an adult.

Speaking directly to his client, attorney Paul DiMaio emphasized the importance of Pryor surrendering and cooperating to fight his case. He stated, “He needs to turn himself in and he needs to do whatever we need to do to fight this case.”

Authorities have cautioned the public that Shane Pryor is considered dangerous. If anyone has any information regarding his whereabouts, they are urged to contact 911 immediately.

(Note: Initial details obtained by Action News showed Pryor was being held on several other serious offenses, but police are only confirming the murder, conspiracy, and weapons charges).