Accused killer teen who escaped detention center still on the run
BRIDGETON — The search continued Thursday for detention center escapee Michael Huggins, who is considered dangerous by police.
Huggins, 18, and three other juveniles — Raymir Lampkin, Stephine Woodley, and Donovan Nickerson — overpowered a guard at the Harborfields Youth Detention Facility in Egg Harbor City just after midnight on Wednesday, and stole the guard's car. They then crashed it into a house before running away. Three of the teens were dressed only in shirts and boxers.
Nine hours later, Lampkin, Woodley, and Nickerson were captured 36 miles to the west in Cumberland County, near two apartment complexes, after being spotted by a resident. Police have not disclosed how the three made it so far. They will likely face escape and aggravated assault charges.
Police do not know if Huggins is armed.
The New Jersey State Police Fugitive Task Force is leading the search for Huggins, who is charged with the October 2016 fatal shooting of Davonte Lee in Bridgeton. Huggins was at a juvenile center because he was 17 at the time of the murder.
Huggins went on the run after the incident and was captured by U.S. Marshals two days later.
Schools in Atlantic County were closed because of the escape on Wednesday. Bridgeton public schools, which were scheduled to have a half day, held classes for a full day in order to keep students in class. Classes in Bridgeton were held as scheduled on Thursday.
The Harborfields guard was taken to a hospital and officials say he is expected to be OK.
Police asked anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Huggins to immediately dial 911 and not approach him.
Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ.
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