FRENCH QUARTER--Kathron Fortune, also known as “Cuchi” who escaped from prison guards on Monday, February 15, in Cay Hill, was spotted in French Quarter neighbourhood near the pharmacy on Friday afternoon around 4:00pm.
The Gendarmes surrounded the area and searched several houses, only to come up empty. However, countless witnesses said that Fortune was seen near one of the homes and somehow escaped from the street.
Captain Emmanuel Maignan confirmed the operation in French Quarter was indeed in connection with the fugitive murder suspect Kathron Fortune; however, no arrest has been made and the suspect is still at large. Gendarmes were working on a tip off. Earlier in the afternoon Commandant Manzoni said the operation in progress involved an “escapee.”
A helicopter was seen in the area searching for the escapee. Police on Dutch St. Maarten were kept in the loop by Gendarmes officers. Police Spokesman Ricardo Henson had no comment about the incident and said he is still awaiting more information. Spokesperson for the Prosecutor’s office Karola van Nie told this newspaper that she has no comment about the incident either.
An intense search to recapture the prisoner is still ongoing. On the day of the escape, the Prosecutor’s Office and Police Department sent out a joint press release requesting the assistance of the entire community to help locate the prisoner.
Kathron Fortune was born on the island of Grenada and is 38 years of age, He has a dark complexion and a full beard, weighs between 200 and 215 pounds, is approximately 5 feet and nine inches tall. He has a heavyset and strong posture, very low cut hair and possibly a pony tail.
The Prosecutor’s Office and Police Department are reminding the public that assisting in the escape of a prisoner, keeping that prisoner in hiding, assisting that prisoner in any other form to prevent his or her capture by authorities, is considered a criminal act and is punishable by law.
Anyone who has information that can lead to the recapture of this armed and very dangerous prisoner should immediately get in contact with the Police Department by calling 542-2222 ext. 214 or215, the tip line # 9300 or 911.
