A 17-year-old murder suspect, Shane Pryor, who escaped from a hospital parking lot this week, has triggered a heightened manhunt as authorities apprehended his alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Michael Diggs.
Pryor, in custody for a 2020 fatal shooting, fled from Juvenile Justice Services Center staff at a hospital in Philadelphia. Diggs, believed to be the getaway driver, was detained hours after the escape, facing multiple felony charges.
Details of the Escape
Pryor, transported to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for a hand injury, fled on foot from the emergency room parking lot, causing concern among law enforcement. Surveillance footage captured him entering a hospital building and attempting to use an employee’s phone.
Denied access, he reportedly used a civilian’s phone to call Diggs, his alleged associate, according to US Marshals Deputy Rob Clark.
Diggs promptly arrived, picked up Pryor in a cream-colored Ford Fusion, and left the University City neighborhood, evading authorities’ immediate detection.
Surveillance confirmed the last sighting of Pryor in North Philadelphia, and he was observed in a convenience store in the area. The Ford Fusion was eventually located, leading to Diggs’ detainment for questioning.
Authorities charged Diggs with hindering apprehension, escape, use of communication facility, and criminal conspiracy in connection with Pryor’s escape.
The arrest is a significant development in efforts to bring all involved parties to justice, as announced by the Philadelphia Police Department.
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Manhunt for Shane Pryor
Despite Diggs’ arrest, Pryor remains at large, prompting an intensified manhunt. The U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Authorities believe the teen is still in Philadelphia and emphasized the importance of community cooperation to ensure public safety.
Pryor, arrested for the 2020 fatal shooting of Tanya Harris, had been in custody awaiting trial. The December 2023 decision to try him as an adult reportedly served as a motive for his escape, according to his defense attorney, Paul DiMaio.
Authorities, however, assert that flight is an indicator of guilt and express concern that Pryor’s continued evasion may lead to further crimes.
Police described Pryor as a 5-foot-7, 180-pound Black male with a light complexion, possibly with an injured hand. His escape is deemed a serious matter, and authorities have cautioned the public against approaching him, considering him dangerous.
Anyone with information is urged to call 911 to assist in the ongoing manhunt.
As the manhunt intensifies for Shane Pryor, the arrest of his alleged accomplice, Michael Diggs, represents a significant step forward in the investigation.
Authorities continue to appeal for public cooperation, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in ensuring Pryor’s swift apprehension and maintaining public safety.
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