In this composite handout from New York State Police, convicted murderers David Sweat, left, and Richard Matt are shown. Matt, 48, and Sweat, 34, escaped from the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, N.Y., on Saturday using power tools to cut through steel walls and pipes. Photo courtesy of New York State Police/UPI |
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DANNEMORA, N.Y., June 10 (UPI) -- Bloodhounds on Wednesday have apparently picked up the scent of the two convicted murders who escaped from a New York prison.
The scent was picked up about three miles away from the Clinton Correctional Facility, where prison guards realized Richard Matt, 48, and David Sweat, 34, escaped sometime before a 5:30 a.m. bed check on Saturday. A large-perimeter search has been set up around the area of the scent, where an apparent location where the inmates slept was also found.
Food wrappers and an imprint from a shoe or boot were also found in the area. The suspects apparently did not have a getaway vehicle, so it seems they've been traveling on foot.
Following a new lead regarding the whereabouts of two escaped killers, authorities closed a stretch of highway near the Clinton Correctional Facility in upstate New York on Wednesday night.
Authorities closed part of Route 374, between Dannemora and West Plattsburgh, which is located about three miles from the prison.
Police also urged residents to stay inside their homes and turn exterior lights on, NBC News reported late Wednesday.
The road is expected to be closed for hours, officials said.
"Route 374 is likely to remain closed through the morning. Residents can expect an increased police presence in that area," the New York State Police said on its website.
Authorities didn't specify exactly what they were looking for or what tip they received, but motorists traveling the road were stopped and vehicles were inspected by New York State troopers.
Earlier Wednesday, officials said they had expanded the search north to Vermont, where police believe the fugitives could be headed.
"New York was going to be hot and Vermont ... cooler in terms of law enforcement," Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin said.
The governor advised Vermont residents to lock their doors and be cautious of their surroundings.
"This is no time to panic," he said. "It's a time to be sensible."
Police have been searching for Matt and Sweat since Saturday when the two apparently used power tools to break out of the maximum-security Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, N.Y.
Earlier in the week, investigators questioned Joyce Mitchell, a worker at the prison who was friendly with the two men. Sources told CNN she had worked with the men, planning to pick them up after their escape, but backed out at the last minute.
Mitchell has not been arrested or charged in connection with the escape.
Police have been searching homes in Dannemora and Willsboro, N.Y., where authorities received a tip that the men may have been spotted.
"I am confident we will find them. The only question is when," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at Wednesday's news conference.
Police have received more than 500 tips about Matt and Sweat since their disappearance. They have offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to the men's capture.
