Man escapes police custody in Monticello, prompting manhunt, lockdowns

MONTICELLO, N.Y. (WABC) -- A suspect being detained by police in Monticello escaped custody Friday, prompting a lockdown at area schools.

Authorities say that at approximately 12:30 a.m., police responded to a report of criminal mischief on Spring Street. While there, a 20-year-old Monticello man drove to the scene and told officers he had been shot.

The victim was transported by helicopter to a trauma center. While attending to the gunshot victim, the person who filed the criminal mischief complaint pointed out a vehicle that was near the scene that matched the description of a vehicle that left the scene prior to police arrival.

The vehicle was stopped, and an individual was detained and taken to the police station for an interview. While officers were occupied with the investigation into the gunshot, the criminal mischief suspect left the police station.

No one has been charged, and no weapons have been recovered.

Robert J. Kaiser Middle School and Monticello High School initiated their lockout procedures at about 8 a.m. The Sullivan County Sheriff's Department sent officers to secure the schools, and students were dismissed at the regular time.

Both investigations are ongoing, and police encourage anyone with information regarding these matters to call 845-794-4422. All calls will be kept confidential.