$5,000 Reward Offered for Arrest of Escaped Prisoner Bernard Hurst Jr.

Police have announced a EC$5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of escaped prisoner Bernard Hurst Jr. of Nut Grove, who remains at large after reportedly escaping from a holding cell at the Parham Police Station.

The reward was announced on Friday, November 13, as authorities intensified efforts to locate Hurst, who escaped during the early morning hours of Thursday, November 12.

Hurst had been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into an armed robbery at a service station in Lyons Hill on Tuesday, November 10.

Police have warned that he is believed to be armed and should be considered dangerous, urging members of the public not to approach him under any circumstances.

According to the police, Hurst is approximately five feet seven inches tall, dark in complexion and slim in build.

He was reportedly wearing a teal-coloured T-shirt at the time of his escape.

Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have seen Hurst or has information about his whereabouts to come forward, stressing that public assistance is critical to securing his arrest.

Police have also issued a warning to anyone who may be assisting the fugitive, reminding the public that harbouring an escaped prisoner or helping someone evade lawful arrest is a criminal offence.

Anyone found engaging in such activities will face prosecution in accordance with the laws of Antigua and Barbuda.

Meanwhile, Hurst is being urged to surrender peacefully at the nearest police station.

The Police Administration has confirmed that further inquiries are being conducted into the circumstances surrounding his escape from custody.

Anyone with information that could assist police in locating Bernard Hurst Jr. is asked to contact the nearest police station or call the Parham Police Station at 463-2060.