New Jersey officials continue search for inmate who escaped custody

MOUNT LAUREL, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Authorities in Burlington County, New Jersey are looking for a work-release inmate who walked away from his program on Saturday.

Investigators say 54-year-old Edward Berbon's last known location was at his work release job in Mount Laurel.

Police told Action News they have no reason to believe Berbon is a danger to the public and they don't think he's in Mount Laurel anymore.

By 8:45 p.m. Saturday, when he hadn't checked into his residence in Camden, authorities were notified.

According to the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC), Berbon was staying at Volunteers of America Delaware Valley's Hope Hall in Camden as part of a residential community release program.

He did not report back there as scheduled after working in Mount Laurel.

The facility is meant to help those who are almost done with their prison sentences.

Berbon was set to be released in February 2024.

Residents in the area are concerned, especially since Berbon was convicted of attempted murder. He attacked his parents in 2004 in Hamilton Township, Mercer County.

The incident happened just hours after he had been released from prison for theft and robbery.

Still, Action News found people who hope he's found soon.

"It's kind of scary," said Kathy Pippin of Delanco, New Jersey. "I do lock my doors a little more than I used to, but I don't think we can worry about everything anymore."

"I think we need to tighten up our security," said Arnold Steward of Mount Laurel. "And maybe we need to create a different form of rehabilitation."

NJDOC's Special Investigation Division Fugitive Unit is leading the investigation.

Berbon is 6 feet tall and weighs 250 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. He has scars on his hands and legs.

Anyone who sees him should call 911. They can also contact authorities at 1-800-523-3829.