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Prison break: State police urge North County residents to report any suspicious activitiy found at camps, on trail cameras

Posted 6/23/15

State police are renewing their call for people with trail cameras and seasonal camps in the North Country to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity that could relate to the prison break. Law …

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Prison break: State police urge North County residents to report any suspicious activitiy found at camps, on trail cameras

Posted

State police are renewing their call for people with trail cameras and seasonal camps in the North Country to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity that could relate to the prison break.

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate a lead in the Owls Head area of Franklin County. Evidence was found indicating that the suspects may have spent time in a seasonal hunting camp in this area. Multiple news agencies have confirmed that DNA evidence found inside the camp has been positively linked to both Richard Matt, 48 and David Sweat, 35. Law enforcement are on scene searching for more evidence.

The region around Dannemora remains a primary focus of the investigation. Police are asking the public to remain on alert, take any necessary safety precautions, and remain vigilant about reporting anything that is out of the ordinary.

This is especially true of seasonal camp owners now that the summer season is here. If you return to your camp and anything is out of place, police said to call 911 immediately.

Law enforcement also want to renew our call to those who have trail cameras set up around the region to let them know if you have captured footage of any suspicious activity.

As of Monday, more than 1,000 law enforcement officers from state, local and federal agencies are assisting in this search. Officers and Forest Rangers from the Department of Environmental Conservation, as well as officers from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, FBI, U.S. Marshals, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Vermont State Police and the Clinton and Franklin County Sheriff’s Offices are all providing assistance in the search. All available assets are being deployed around the clock, including canine and aviation units.

Law enforcement is maintaining a strong and visible presence in the region and that will continue until we bring this matter to a close.

The public should not hesitate to report any suspicious activity including any signs of a trespass, burglary or vehicle larceny. Contact 911, your local law enforcement agency, or the New York State Police to report any information related to this investigation at (518) 563-3761 or 1-800-GIVETIP. Tips can also be sent by email to crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.

New York State is offering a reward of $50,000 for information that leads to the capture of either suspect ($100,000 for both). The U.S. Marshals Service has placed Sweat and Matt on their 15 Most Wanted Fugitives List, and is also offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to the capture of either suspect.