New York Prison Escape: Manhunt Expands To Area Surrounding Dannemora In Search For Escapees

New York State Police Tuesday expanded the manhunt for two inmates who escaped the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York, June 6. In the past 11 days, police said hundreds of officers have searched more than 16 square miles and followed more than 1,200 leads in the effort to recapture convicted murderers Richard Matt, 48, and David Sweat, 35.

However, based on information gathered during the investigation, law enforcement announced its plans to expand the search to other areas surrounding Dannemora. Police last Wednesday closed off a section of route 374 in Cadyville, New York, after state police K-9 units picked up the scent of the fugitives in a wooded area next to the road, police said in a press release. Evidence recovered from the immediate area indicated they may have spent some time there. Since then, ground searches have been scaled back along route 374 but patrols will continue along the road.

Though specific areas weren’t named in the announcement of the search expansion, authorities had previously said their search was extended to neighboring Vermont.

Since the prison break, there have been no confirmed sightings of the two. Joyce Mitchell, 51, a prison tailoring shop supervisor, has been charged with facilitating the duo’s escape by providing tools and other aid. Mitchell allegedly planned to drive the getaway car, but got cold feet and didn’t show up, Syracuse.com reported. Despite her alleged involvement, she probably just was part of a backup plan.

"I honestly don't think she was 'Plan A,’ " Clinton County Sherriff David Favro said in an interview on CNN. "I think she was ‘Plan B.’ ”

The inmates were reported missing June 7, after the duo used power tools to cut through steel walls and squeeze through a steam pipe to escape from the facility.