Prisoner escapes while facing new charges

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- State Police are searching for an inmate who escaped from the Old Colony Correctional Center on Friday night.

Police say he got away from the minimum security facility sometime between 5:40 and 6:30 Friday night.

Manson Brown, 51, was serving 10 years for armed robbery and facing newly filed rape charges in which a DNA test implicated him.

Brown was indicted on two counts of aggravated rape just a week ago, which would have moved him to a higher level security prison.

Authorities believe Brown learned of the indictment through media reports which may have prompted his escape. He was noticed missing during a check Friday night.

It is unclear how Brown got away, but police believe the escape was planned and he may have even had outside help.

Bridgewater Police have been working with the Department of Corrections Fugitive Unit to locate him.

Bridgewater residents have been put on alert. Police are warning the public that if they see Brown to not approach him and to dial 9-1-1 immediately.

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