Prison officials distribute photos of escapee

Michael F. Easley Governor		Theodis Beck Secretary
North Carolina Department of Correction

For Release: IMMEDIATE	Contact: Pamela Walker
Date: August 22, 2003	Phone: (919) 716-3700

Prison officials distribute photos of escapee MORGANTON – Prison officials are asking for the public’s help in locating escaped inmate Neal Tregre, who was housed at Western Youth Institution in Morganton, North Carolina. On Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2003, Tregre, an 18-year old white male, escaped from an educational class for minimum custody inmates located on Mt. Home Church Road, Morganton, North Carolina. After escaping, inmate Tregre allegedly kidnapped a Burke County resident and her child and allegedly stole the family vehicle and two weapons. He later released the mother and child in Gaston County and was last seen driving a 1997 black Toyota Corolla with North Carolina plates FSY-5298. Tregre was serving a three year and three months sentence at Western Youth Institution for convictions of breaking and entering in Craven County. Gov. Michael F. Easley has announced that the State is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the capture and conviction of Neal Tregre. Anyone having any information concerning this case should call 911 or contact the Burke County Sheriff’s Office (1-828-438-5500), State Bureau of Investigation (1-800-334-3000) or Western Youth Institution (1-828-438-6037). # # # ATTENTION EDITORS: For a digital photo of inmate Neal Tregre, visit the Department of Correction web site at www.doc.state.nc.us and click the link "Offender Search" or call the Public Information Office at (919) 716-3700.