Tension Grips Barclayville Police Center as Six Inmates Escape

Tension and fear have gripped the Barclayville Police Center and surrounding communities in Grand Kru County following the dramatic escape of six pre-trial detainees from police custody. The escape, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 6, has raised major concerns about the safety and security of residents, as several of the escapees are described as dangerous and repeat offenders. In a joint security briefing held at the Barclayville Police Station on Sunday, the Head of the Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation (BCR), Mr. Moses Allison, confirmed the incident and provided critical details surrounding the escape. According to Mr. Allison, the six detainees managed to break out of their holding cell using a hard saw to cut through the steel bars of the jail facility. “This incident poses a direct threat to the lives and properties of peaceful citizens in the county,” Mr. Allison lamented, adding that the escapees are “notorious for serious criminal offenses, including armed robbery, burglary, and criminal conspiracy.” Out of the six escapees, Mr. Allison confirmed that one, Edwin Read, has been re-arrested with the assistance of both police and correction officers. Read, who is facing charges of theft of property and criminal conspiracy, reportedly admitted that a hard saw was used in the escape operation. The full list of escapees includes: Koffa Sieh – Charged with theft of property Johnny Brown – Charged with armed robbery, theft of property, and criminal conspiracy Willing Williams – Charged with theft of property, burglary, and criminal conspiracy Shardrick Gbeneh – Charged with burglary, theft of property, and criminal conspiracy Jacob Weah – Charged with burglary and theft of property Edwin Read – (Re-arrested) – Charged with theft of property and criminal conspiracy The re-arrest of Read brings a slight relief to the ongoing manhunt, but security officials remain deeply concerned about the whereabouts and potential activities of the remaining five fugitives. Mr. Allison also referenced a previous security breach at the same facility in 2021, during which three inmates escaped and were never recaptured. He acknowledged the need for a comprehensive review of the center’s security infrastructure to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. As efforts intensify to locate and apprehend the remaining fugitives, Mr. Allison is calling on citizens of Grand Kru County, especially those residing in remote areas, to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. “We are appealing to all security personnel, particularly those manning checkpoints, and to the general public, to immediately report any suspicious movement or sightings of the escapees to the nearest police station,” he urged. The Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation assures the public that it is working diligently with the Liberia National Police and other security stakeholders to recapture the escapees and restore public confidence. Investigations into how the hard saw was smuggled into the detention center are currently underway, and disciplinary measures will be taken against any correction officer found negligent or complicit in the incident.