Island Wide Search Ongoing For Avelino Avila (Tomas)

Avelino Avila in handcuffs aboard a ferry at the Harbour Island Dock on Saturday August 21, 2010.

(Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera)  - Police on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that an Eleuthera wide search is still ongoing for the Spanish Wells man of Cuban origin who escaped custody in Harbour Island on Sunday.  The man commonly known as Avelino Avila but who is referred to on a social network profile as Avelino Avila Tomas, was approached at his home in Spanish Wells on Saturday by police who wanted to question him in relation to a fire aboard a vessel belonging to Island Block - Concrete and Heavy Equipment company. Avila who is said to be self employed, once worked with the company and according to well placed sources the two have a long history - not alway harmonious.

It is alleged that Avila had a licensed shot gun in his possession which, according to reliable information, was at sometime pointed in the direction of police.  The details of the encounter have not been confirmed, so the most we can report at this time is that he was taken into custody on Saturday. Police carrying shotguns, were photographed escorting a handcuffed Avila to Three Island Dock in the car shown, before taking him quickly aboard a ferry for the short trip to Harbour Island and onto to a golf cart for the short ride to the Harbour Island Police Station. It is from here that the detainee later escaped.

Police Car on the Three Island Dock Minutes After they boarded a vessel with the now wanted man.

Avila (Center left) being escorted to Harbour Island on Saturday, August 21, 2010. Officers are seated on either side of him and immediately opposite.

Avila according to sources, is 37 years old.

Police are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to call the nearest main police station - Rock Sound in the South, Governor's Harbour in Central and Harbour Island in the North.

Police Contact Numbers are:

Governor’s Harbour.................... 332-2111
Rock Sound Station..................... 334-2244
Harbour Island Station.................333-2111

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