A manhunt is underway for Jamie Cooper, a 33-year-old prisoner who escaped from a GEOAmey prison van while on his way to Lancaster Magistrates' Court. The dramatic incident unfolded on the M55 motorway near Junction 2 by Catforth, Preston, on March 19, 2025, at approximately 8:54 AM.
According to police reports, Cooper overpowered escort officers after faking a medical emergency. The GEOAmey prison van, which was transporting several inmates, was forced to pull over to deal with the situation. As the van came to a stop, Cooper seized the opportunity, overpowering the guards and making his escape.
Cooper is described as being approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, of medium build with short, cropped hair. At the time of his escape, he was reportedly wearing a blue coat, blue jeans, and black trainers. Following the escape, Lancashire Police quickly issued a warning, urging the public not to approach Cooper if they see him, and to call 999 immediately instead.
A spokesperson for GEOAmey stated, "The detained person involved in this emergency then overpowered and evaded the escort officers and escaped from the vehicle." With Cooper originally from Blackpool, police emphasized his links to both Blackpool and Bolton, suggesting he might be trying to find shelter in those areas.
This incident has raised concerns within the community, with a spokesperson from Lancashire Police commenting, "We know that this may be concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that incidents like these are extremely rare in Lancashire and it is something we are taking incredibly seriously." They added that an intensive search is currently underway to locate the escaped prisoner.
Cooper was scheduled to appear in court to face charges related to assaulting a police officer and criminal damage. His escape interrupts legal proceedings and raises questions about prison transport security.
As search efforts continue, police have increased their presence in the Catforth area and are actively pursuing leads regarding Cooper’s whereabouts. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings or suspicious activity to authorities.
Anyone who has information that could assist police in finding Cooper is advised to contact them, quoting log 0237 of March 19. The police have reassured the public that they will provide updates on the situation as it develops.
In the wake of this escape, police and prison authorities may be forced to review their transport protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. This escape incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges within the criminal justice system, especially regarding the transport and supervision of inmates while awaiting court appearances.
Jamie Cooper's main profile is on the radar of law enforcement, and the police are urging everyone to do their part in ensuring community safety by reporting any sightings of him. As searches intensify, the hope is that Cooper will be apprehended swiftly.
