9 juveniles escape from Abraxas Academy in Berks County, DA says
MORGANTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- Nine juveniles escaped from Abraxas Academy, a juvenile detention center, on Sunday night, the Berks County District Attorney's Office said.
The escape happened just after 8 p.m. at the facility located at 1000 Academy in Morgantown, according to the DA's office.
A riot happened just before the escape, Pennsylvania State Police said. Authorities said law enforcement took back over the detention center following the riot.
It's unclear if anyone was injured during the incident.
Police have confirmed 9 male juveniles have escaped from the Abraxas Academy in Morgantown after a riot broke out.
— Marcella Baietto (@MarcellaBaietto) September 18, 2023
Police say they have now taken back control of the juvenile facility. Several agencies have responded.
Updates to come. @CBSPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/ERzrgqEuaV
Multiple agencies are responding to the escape, the DA's office said. The Caernarvon Police Department said the escapees were wearing white or grey T-shirts.
The Caernarvon PD is working with the State Police to resolve the incident.
Morgantown sent out multiple alerts to residents who live near Abraxas Academy.
Officials are asking people near Interstate 76 and Route 10 to remain vigilant.
Police said anyone who encounters any juvenile escapees should contact 9-1-1 immediately.
The Twin Valley School School District, which is located roughly six miles from Abraxas, said it would make a decision Monday morning on whether to open school or not.
TVSD Families, This evening there was a riot at Abraxas Academy located at 1000 Academy Drive. State and local law...
Posted by Twin Valley School District on Sunday, September 17, 2023
"As always, we will err on the side of caution and staff and student safety in all decisions we make," the school district said in part in a Facebook post.
The escape comes after Danelo Cavalcante, a convicted murderer who escaped from prison, was captured after a 14-day manhunt in Chester County.
The search for Cavalcante involved law enforcement from local, state and federal agencies.
RELATED: What you need to know about Chester County Prison escape, timeline and more
The search spanned all over Chester County, from the Longwood Gardens area in the south to the northern region in South Coventry Township.
A video of Cavalcante escaping the Chester County Prison showed him "crab walking" up a prison wall before he got past more barbed wire and made his escape. A prison guard who was on duty during Cavalcante's escape was placed on administrative leave and fired.
Other escapes in Pennsylvania
Before the escape at Abraxas Academy and Cavalcante manhunt, two others happened in 2023.
Michael Burham escaped the Warren County Jail and was on the run for more than a week before he was captured.
Local, state and federal agencies were involved in the manhunt for Burham, a homicide suspect.
In Philadelphia, two men – Ameen Hurst and Nasir Grant – escaped the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center in Holmesburg. They were both taken into custody after being on the run for several days.
Several others were charged with helping the escape.
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.