Manhunt on for escaped prisoner, police activity reported

A manhunt is on for a prisoner who escaped overnight, while New Jersey State Police troopers were taking him to the Atlantic County Jail.

Midday Sunday, Hamilton Township police reported police activity in the area of Route 40 and the Festival Mall.

State Police say Daniel Newman was arrested Saturday night "at the Golden Nugget Casino for theft-related crimes within the Atlantic City casino district."

Somehow, the 22-year-old from Lawrenceville, Georgia escaped from State Police custody. Newman ran into a wooded area while handcuffed from behind.

Hamilton Township police started helping with the search before 4am. That extensive search is still active.

Newman is described as 5'8" tall, weighing 160 lbs., with brown hair and eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark blue jacket, gray hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and gray Nike sneakers.

Anyone with information on him is urged not to approach but instead, call the New Jersey State Police at 609-441-7464, Hamilton Township police at 609-625-2700 ext-0, or 911 if you see anything suspicious.