News of an apparently armed prisoner on the loose sent shockwaves throughout the community Monday evening as word spread regarding the escape and shooting in Cay Hill. That
nobody was hurt during the incident is in itself a blessing.
Things could have turned out much worse, but the reality is that a dangerous criminal possibly with a gun who should be safely behind bars is out there somewhere. People are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution if they note something suspicious and to intervene only by alerting the police.
If indeed this fugitive is a convicted killer serving a 21-year sentence, he is likely to be desperate and willing to do almost anything to avoid being recaptured. Keep in mind that at this stage a life, including his own, is probably worth a lot less to the escapee than it is to others.
How he obtained the weapon is obviously the million-dollar question. If it was planted either at the clinic or in the vehicle that took him there, the person involved must have known about the visit to the doctor, which could indicate a so-called “inside job.”
At any rate, while detainees too have rights and require adequate medical treatment, the security level during such operations should be exceptionally high for obvious reasons. The intention is not to point fingers in whatever direction, but a thorough investigation is clearly called for, because putting at risk the wellbeing of residents and the visitors who drive the local tourism economy alike in this matter is not to be taken lightly.
