New video released of escaped Philadelphia prisoner; $2K reward offered as search continues

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A new video has been released as the search continues for escaped prisoner Gino Hagenkotter.

The inmate at Riverside Correctional Facility fled from his work detail in Holmesburg last Thursday.

A warrant for escape was issued by Philadelphia police for Hagenkotter, 34, who was in custody for retail thefts.

His last confirmed sighting was at 11:55 a.m. on November 30, approximately 10 minutes after his escape.

The new video shows Hagenkotter casually walking north on the 8400 block of Hegerman Street toward Blakiston Street.

There is currently a $2,000 reward for information leading to Hagenkotter's arrest. The U.S. Marshals Service is also offering up to $1,500 and Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers is offering an additional $500.

The Crime Stoppers reward will be paid immediately upon arrest, officials say.

Hagenkotter is described as being approximately 5'6" tall and weighs roughly 160 lbs. He has black hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of a dagger on his right forearm.

U.S. Marshals shared a closeup photo of Hagenkotter's tattoo.

His last known address was on the 7700 block of Cottage Street in Philadelphia.

"While we are seeking the public's assistance in apprehending Hagenkotter, we are also warning that anyone assisting him in his flight will be prosecuted to the fullest extent," said Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark.

U.S. Marshals say they have some information that Hagenkotter could be in Kensington, Mayfair, or possibly the far northeast sections of the city.

Clark and his team are no strangers to this kind of work. This is the fifth time they have had to hunt for an escaped prisoner this year.

And while Hagenkotter was jailed for low-level crimes, neighbors in the area are worried.

"Even though they are saying that he is not violent, he could still get violent," said Dwayne Williams from Holmesburg. "He's not trying to go back."

Williams spoke with Action News as he was picking up his children from the New Foundations Charter School, which is just half a mile from the prison.

"My daughter was texting me from in there, 'Dad, dad the schools on lockdown,'" Williams recalled.

He and other parents were in shock when the escape happened again after two other inmates escaped a neighboring prison in May.

"The whole situation is scary, I hope they catch him," said Jennifer Barrios from Northeast Philadelphia.

The charter school is now reassuring parents they have plans for situations like this, and know what to do.

"Being at a school that's so close, it's very important that our students know they are safe with us," said Principal Erin Herschberger.

Tips on Hagenkotter's whereabouts can be called into the U.S. Marshals Philadelphia tipline at 1-866-865-TIPS (8477) or www.usmarshals.gov.

"We need the public's assistance, we need tips," said Clark. "We need to get some more confirmed sightings, he has to be having help out there."