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The Roanoke Rapids Police Department has evidence which allegedly links escaped state prison inmate Cul Priest Jones to a series of break-ins in the city.

jones

Chief Chuck Hasty, when asked how Jones has been linked to the crimes, said today, “It’s an ongoing investigative process.”

Jones, 44, faces five counts of breaking and entering and two counts of damage to property following an investigation by Investigator Obert Wiltsie.

Hasty said the crimes involve businesses and have occurred on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway, Roanoke Avenue and Eighth Street.

They have occurred in the early morning hours.

That there is evidence of Jones allegedly committing crimes in the city limits most likely means “he’s somewhere in the local area” and that investigators are “very confident someone is providing him assistance,” Hasty said.

Capturing Jones, Hasty said, is “very important. He’s breaking into businesses, continuing to commit crimes while he’s escaped from prison.”

Thus far Roanoke Rapids police have no evidence Jones may have changed his appearance, Hasty said.

Jones, a minimum custody inmate, was reported missing from Hoke Correctional Institute in Raeford around 7:45 p.m. October 14.

The October escape makes the second time in his criminal history Jones has fled from prison custody.

The Greensboro News & Record reported in 1995 Jones, who at the time was allegedly responsible for a three-state crime spree while on the run, was taken into custody after being arrested by police in New York.

At the time he fled from Person Correctional Center Jones was sentenced for shooting Warren County Sheriff's Office Detective Harold Seaman in 1990.

His Hoke County escape last month came after his conviction in 2014 to a term of 7 years and 11 months for first-degree burglary, which was related to a December 2013 crime in which he was shot a by a business owner who was awakened by noise and saw Jones behind the cash register with a handgun.

Hasty said in a statement today the investigation into the current crimes is ongoing and more charges are expected.

Jones is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Wiltise at 252-533-2823 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.