| Update on EOCI Escape |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, October 4, 1999
Note: The initial news release posted to our website contains a copy of Inmate Kinney´s admission photo. A high resolution image is also available.
On Saturday evening, October 2, 1999, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Inmate James Kinney, 39, escaped from Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton.
As reported earlier Kinney breached coils of razor wire lining the inside of the perimeter fence, and subsequently scaled razor wire lining the top of the 12-foot exterior fence. Blood was found on the fence. Alarms functioned properly and alerted the prison´s mobile patrol that there was a possible breach in the fence.
The institution was immediately locked down and all inmates were returned to their cells. An emergency count was initiated, confirming the escape. Local law enforcement agencies were contacted immediately to initiate a search for Inmate Kinney. There was an extensive search of the institution grounds, the areas surrounding the institution and throughout the Pendleton area. The search for the fugitive is intense and will continue.
Approximately one hour after the escape there was a report that Inmate James Kinney had been at the Pendleton Albertson´s store. Law enforcement officials followed up on this information but were unable to locate Kinney.
The multi-agency effort to locate Kinney has brought together several local and statewide law enforcement agencies including the Oregon Department of Corrections Fugitive
Apprehension Unit, the Oregon Department of Corrections Special Investigations Unit, the Oregon State Police, the Pendleton Police Department, the Umatilla County Sheriff´s Office and other local police departments in cities where Kinney may be headed.
Additionally, the Special Investigations Unit and the State Police are working in conjunction with EOCI staff to conduct external and internal investigations on what led up to the escape. A special Department of Corrections review team is heading to Pendleton on Tuesday to assist in the investigation.
EOCI officials state that this escape appears to be an isolated incident and not part of a larger escape plot. According to Superintendent Jean Hill, “Public safety is our absolute primary concern. I want to assure the public that the pursuit of Mr. Kinney is aggressive and the cooperation of every agency we´ve contacted has been first rate. I am personally committed to providing these agencies with every bit of information and assistance we can to capture James Kinney. Furthermore, we will keep the public informed of our progress and share all that we can without compromising the investigation.”
Inmate Kinney should not be approached. Superintendent Hill is asking if anyone has information regarding Inmate James Kinney to please contact your local law enforcement agency or 911 immediately.
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