A manhunt is underway for four male prisoners, who escaped the Ocho Rios lockup in St Ann, early this morning (August 5).

Police say the men who escaped from the facility at about 1 AM, used implements to cut sections of the metal gates of the prison’s cells.

The escapees are:

Forty-year-old Terrence Harrelal of Claremont, St. Ann; he is charged with shooting with intent;

Forty-two-year-old Dennis Colbourne of Islington, St. Mary who is charged with rape;

Twenty-two-year-old Javar Grant of Priory, St. Ann, charged with illegal possession of firearm;

and thirty-year-old Jermaine Rodgers of Mile End in Ocho Rios, St. Ann who is charged with illegal possession of firearm.

Deputy Superintendent of police in the parish, Kevaughn Chambers is warning citizens that it is an offence to harbour criminals.

Persons who see suspicious activities are encouraged to call the Ocho Rios police at 876-974-2469, the police 119 numbers or crime stop at 311.

The Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau is investigating the incident.