UPDATE 06/22/15:
After the Pennsylvania border search turned up dry, New York state police responded to a separate possible sighting just 20 miles away from the Clinton Correctional Facility. According to CNN, DNA of the two escaped prisoners has now been found inside a burglarized cabin in the area. A press conference is expected to begin shortly.
Original story:
According to AP, New York state police are currently searching an area near the Pennsylvania border, roughly 350 miles from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, following reports of a possible sighting of prison escapees David Sweat and Richard Matt. A previously released statement from police revealed that the duo had possibly been spotted one week ago near Steuben County, just east of Allegany County — the sight of the latest reported sighting.
Sweat and Matt escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility on June 6 using power tools, a remarkable feat that eventually prompted an investigation which would swiftly result in a corrections officer being placed on administrative leave and the arrest of a civilian employee. According to the New York Times, a local woman was driving in the area and saw two men near the woods adjacent to a railroad track. Upon noticing that they may have been recognized, one of the men reportedly disappeared into the woods while the other quickly pulled a hooded sweatshirt over his face. Furthermore, one of the men had red hair — a distinguishing feature of Sweat.
The downtown area of Friendship, New York is currently "on lockdown."
More to come.
