A prisoner who escaped from the Central Police lock-up in Kingston today (December 1), remains at large.

He has been identified as twenty-seven-year-old Orville Purnell of Belgium Road, Buff Bay in Portland.

The police say Purnell was awaiting extradition to St. Lucia. 

It’s reported that he was arrested in Buff Bay in July on a warrant for murder, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition and escaping custody, crimes he allegedly committed in St. Lucia in August last year.

Police say Purnell was in custody in St. Lucia for the offences, however, he escaped in October 2020 and subsequently fled to Jamaica, where it is believed he was hiding until his capture. 

Purnell is of dark complexion, medium build and approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall.

He has several tattoos on both arms.

At the time of his escape, he sported dreadlocks, however, investigators believe he may cut his locks.

Anyone knowing his whereabouts is being asked to contact the police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.