Attorney Wendell Alexander Urges Escaped Prisoner Bernard Hurst to Surrender as Police Intensify Search

Attorney Wendell Alexander has urged escaped prisoner Bernard Hurst to surrender to police, warning that continued efforts to evade capture could result in a dangerous confrontation with law enforcement officers.

Alexander's appeal comes as police continue searching for Hurst, who escaped from the Parham Police Station on Thursday, November 12, after being detained in connection with an armed robbery investigation.

Speaking about the escape, Alexander said shots were fired as Hurst attempted to flee, a development he believes will influence how police approach efforts to recapture him.

“Shots were fired in the process of Mr. Hurst trying to escape, and so therefore, the police will not be foolhardy and the police will definitely go well poised and well prepared,” Alexander said.

The attorney suggested that law enforcement officers would be taking the circumstances of the escape seriously and would likely be adequately prepared for any encounter with the fugitive.

He also expressed confidence that the Commissioner of Police would have briefed members of the Special Services Unit (SSU) as the search continues.

“I’m pretty certain that the Commissioner of Police would have brief his SSU Squad, and, I happen to know that there are several squads out there,” Alexander stated.

Alexander's remarks highlighted his concerns about the risks associated with Hurst remaining at large, particularly given the circumstances surrounding his escape.

He also appealed to Hurst's relatives to encourage him to cooperate with authorities, suggesting that family intervention could help prevent the situation from escalating.

“And for his own interest and his family members should encourage him to hand himself in before they face a chaotic situation,” Alexander warned.

The attorney's comments come as police intensify efforts to locate Hurst, who remains wanted in connection with an armed robbery investigation.

According to a police statement issued on Friday, November 13, Hurst, identified as Bernard Hurst Jr. of Nut Grove, escaped from a holding cell at the Parham Police Station during the early morning hours of Thursday, November 12.

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

Police have since announced an EC$5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

Authorities have also warned that Hurst is believed to be armed and dangerous and have advised members of the public not to approach him if spotted.

Police have further cautioned that anyone found harbouring Hurst or assisting him in evading lawful arrest could face criminal prosecution.

Meanwhile, the Police Administration is conducting further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his escape from custody.

Anyone with information about Hurst's whereabouts is urged to contact the Parham Police Station at 463-2060 or the nearest police station.

Alexander's appeal adds to calls for Hurst to surrender peacefully, with the attorney emphasising the importance of avoiding a potentially chaotic confrontation with police.