BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. – The Latest on the search for an escaped New Jersey inmate (all times local):
6:35 a.m.
Police say an inmate who escaped nearly a week ago from a minimum security prison in New Jersey walked off after apparently making arrangements to surrender.
State police say 38-year-old Arthur Buckel was seen late Sunday near a rest area along the Garden State Parkway in Lacey Township.
Lacey police say state troopers and Buckel's family were making arrangements for him to turn himself in at the rest area. But he was gone when state police arrived. It's believed he initially headed north on foot. His whereabouts are unknown.
Police released surveillance images of him late Sunday night.
Police have been searching throughout the area and extra officers are stationed at nearby schools Monday.
Buckel was discovered missing last Tuesday when guards did a count in the Ancora unit of Bayside State Prison in Hammonton.
Lacey Township is about 50 miles northeast of Hammonton.
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2:25 a.m.
Police in New Jersey say an escaped inmate who once served time for manslaughter for killing a baby has been spotted near a highway rest area.
State police say 38-year-old Arthur Buckel was seen late Sunday near a rest area along the Garden State Parkway in Lacey Township.
State police have set up a command post and local police departments are beefing up patrols.
Buckel was found missing last Tuesday when guards did a count at Bayside State Prison in Hammonton.
Lacey Township is about 50 miles northeast of Hammonton.
Buckel has been serving a sentence for aggravated assault, drug possession and burglary. He was scheduled to be considered for parole later this month.
Buckel previously served 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a 10-month-old child.
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