Police have intensified searches in St. Thomas following the escape of a prisoner earlier today (Apl 6).

He has been identified as 19 year old Romario Dawes of Land Top in Port Morant.

Dawes was taken to the parish court on charges of illegal possession of firearm, larceny and robbery with aggravation.

His escape comes approximately 48 hours after four prisoners escaped from the Falmouth lock up in Trelawny.

According to commanding officer in charge of St. Thomas Superintendent Marlene Christy about 12:45 p.m. the prisoner escaped from the Yallahs courthouse.

She explains that while Dawes was being transported by a police officer from the court room to the holding area, he physically attacked the officer and escaped.

She says the officer had to seek medical attention.

Meantime, Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson has ordered the immediate review of all policies dealing with the safe custody and escort of prisoners.

The Commissioner has stated that such escapes are unacceptable and undermine the efforts of lawmen who work tirelessly to arrest persons accused of serious crimes.

He further stated that any such incident will be dealt with in the strongest manner, holding persons responsible where breaches of force policies are detected.

The Inspectorate of Constabulary has since launched an investigation into the matter.