An intense manhunt is underway to recapture seven inmates who escaped from the Oracabessa police station in St. Mary, this morning.

The inmates were discovered missing during a routine cell check at around 6:00 a.m.

Preliminary reports are that the inmates were in custody for serious crimes, including murder, rape and aggravated robbery.

They managed to escape by cutting through a ventilation grille.

They are: 24-year-old Tray Walker of Claremont, St. Ann who was charged for rape, 25-year-old Jahmala Vernon of Boscobel, St. Mary who was charged for robbery, 22-year-old Phillip Williams of Belfield, St. Mary who was charged for shooting with intent, and 22-year-old Linton Bailey of Jacks River, St. Mary who was charged for shooting.

The others are 26-year-old Lashawn Davidson of Jacks River St. Mary who was charged for shooting, 21-year-old Nolando Akenson of Pimento Walk, St. Ann and Boscobel, St. Mary who was charged for robbery and 28-year-old Gaveen Hurd of Stony Hill, St. Andrew and Enfield, St Mary who was charged with murder.

In the meantime, the police are asking anyone with information that can assist in locating them to contact the Oracabessa police at 726-0698, Crime Stop at 311, the JCF tip line at 811 or the nearest police station.