Jamie Cooper was being transported to Lancashire Magistrates’ Court after being charged with assaulting an officer and criminal damage when he managed to escape from the prison van and is now on the run
A manhunt is underway after an inmate escaped a prison van by allegedly faking a medical emergency and overpowering an escort officer while being transported to court.
Jamie Cooper, 33, was on his way to Lancaster Magistrates’ Court after being charged with assaulting a police officer and criminal damage on Wednesday morning (March 18) in a GEOAmey prison van when he absconded on the M55 near junction two by Catforth, Preston, police revealed.
The van pulled over to deal with an “on-board medical emergency” but Cooper “overpowered and evaded” escort officers and is now on the run with police urgently trying to locate him.
Police received a report of the escape at about 8.54am on Wednesday and are now asking members of the public to try to help find the wanted prisoner.
Cooper is described as 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build with short, cropped hair, and is thought to be wearing a blue coat, blue jeans and black trainers.
People are being urged not to approach Cooper should they come in contact with him. As part of the appeal, police have released a picture of Cooper, who is seen smiling and wearing a Nike black top.
Images posted on social media show police officers searching areas close to the motorway where Cooper made his escape. A number of police vehicles and officers can be seen in the surrounding area.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Blackpool Police said: “We need your help finding wanted Jamie Cooper, after he absconded from a GEOAmey prison van on the M55 this morning.
“At 8:54am this morning, we received a report of a man absconding from the vehicle conveying prisoners to Lancaster Magistrates Court.
“This was reported to have happened on the M55, near to junction 2, near to Catforth. The man has been identified as 33-year-old Jamie Cooper, from Blackpool, and we’re now appealing for your help to trace him.
“Cooper is 5ft 7in, of a medium build with short, cropped hair and is thought to be wearing a blue coat, blue jeans and black trainers. We know that this may be concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that incidents like these are extremely rare in Lancashire and it is something we are taking incredibly seriously.
“Searches and an investigation are ongoing, and you will see an increase in our officers in the area as they continue their enquiries. If you have any concerns, please do approach them as they are out and about. Cooper has links to Blackpool and Bolton.
“If you see Cooper, do not approach him, but call 999 and let us know straight away. Anyone with information can call 101 quoting log 0237 of March 19.”
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