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5 juvenile inmates still loose after escape; authorities not allowed to release names, photos
06:26 AM CDT on Tuesday, October 23, 2007
(KMOV) - A search is underway for five teenage boys who've committed felony crimes. The group escaped Saturday from a state-run high security juvenile detention center.
Police are still searching for the teens who escaped from Hogan Street Regional Youth Center. They were able to capture four of the escapees Saturday night, but five are still missing. Authorities say they are between 14 and 16-years-old.
In the world of juvenile detention centers, Hogan Street is supposed to be among the toughest.
Saturday, nine teens overpowered a female security officer and broke out. The teens stole the guard's keys, pushed her down some stairs and then ran out a side door.
The facility is supposed to be the most secure juvenile facility of its kind and the fences are modified.
They have this special mesh on the inside of the fence all the way around. It's supposed to be impossible to climb, but that's how investigators think they got out. There’s no barbed wire at the top and gates in some spots make the fence easier to climb.
Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding these escapees, but at the same time they are not allowed to release names or photos because the escapees are juveniles.
State Senator John Loudon feels that in situations such as this, the Missouri law should be changed.
The security officer was treated at the hospital for minor injuries and released the same day.
Hogan officials reviewed their security measures and have made some immediate changes to all of the fences that surround the facility.
The escapees have committed a variety of crimes, mostly robbery and stealing.
They were living in a group of 12 inmates.
Nine of them made a break for it, the other three did not try to escape.
Three inmates are now back in custody, including one who was returned by his parents.
Police are trying to find the other five escapees who are still on the run.
News 4 also found out that there are six similar juvenile facilities in eastern Missouri.
They are located in Troy, Chesterfield and four in St. Louis City and county.
The division of youth services also operates four day treatment centers in the area.
The state operates a medium security female youth center at Pere Marquette.
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