Philadelphia prisoner being held on murder charge escapes, police warn public

Philadelphia police are searching for an escaped prisoner who was being held on murder charges.

Shane Pryor, 17, was being held on charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and firearms offenses, court records obtained by WPVI-TV show. Police say he should be considered dangerous.

Pryor, who was in custody in connection with a killing that happened in 2020, had been in custody since he was 14 years old awaiting trial, police said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon.

SWAT, Philadelphia Police, Pennsylvania Police and K-9 units are all participating the search for Pryor.

Pryor's escape from police custody

Pryor escaped from the emergency room parking lot at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia shortly before noon on Wednesday.

According to police Pryor was being escorted by two prison staffers after injuring his hand inside the juvenile justice center. He was not shackled when he fled.

Police said Pryor was last seen heading from 34th and Spruce streets to University Avenue and Civic Center Boulevard.

Pryor was also seen on surveillance video footage going through other medical buildings in University City and asking people to use a phone, police said.

He was last seen wearing a blue sweatshirt and sweatpants, socks and slides shoes, though police say he may have since taken off the sweatshirt.

The Philadelphia Police Department describe him as 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing 180 pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911.