In a shocking turn of events, a 17-year-old homicide suspect, Shane Pryor, managed to escape from custody while being transferred to a hospital in Philadelphia. Law enforcement sources suspect that Pryor received assistance in evading capture.

The escape occurred on Wednesday, just before noon, when Pryor was being transported from the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in the University City neighborhood. The purpose of the transfer was to treat a hand injury, according to the police.

Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore, in a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, revealed that Pryor made his escape as he was getting out of a vehicle in the hospital's driveway. It is notable that Pryor did not appear to have any restraints on him at the time.

Surveillance footage captured Pryor fleeing the hospital and entering various buildings in an attempt to obtain resources, as per the police. It is believed that the teenager harmed himself intentionally to warrant a trip to the hospital. Investigators are "highly confident" that Pryor has received assistance from an accomplice in avoiding law enforcement.

The US Marshals Service in Philadelphia has reported that Pryor may be using a stolen blue Ford truck with the Pennsylvania license plate ZTS-0503. However, no details have been released regarding how Pryor may have acquired the vehicle or the reasons why authorities believe he may be utilizing it for his escape.

Pryor, who weighs approximately 180 pounds and stands at about 5 feet, 7 inches tall, was last seen wearing a dark blue sweatsuit. Prior to his escape, he had been held in the juvenile detention center since the age of 14, awaiting trial for a murder charge.

CNN has reached out for comments from Pryor's attorney and the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, responsible for the management of the juvenile justice center.

Authorities are actively searching for Pryor, and while they do not believe he is still in the vicinity of the hospital, they urge the public to remain vigilant. Officials caution that Pryor is considered dangerous, and if spotted, individuals should immediately call 911.

Deputy Commissioner Vanore has requested the public's cooperation, asking them to report any sightings of an individual without a coat, wearing a blue sweatsuit matching Pryor's description. Safety is paramount, and approaching the suspect directly is strongly advised against.

As the search intensifies, investigators are also exploring parking garages in the area, combing through their multiple levels in the hopes of finding any trace of the escaped teenager.

While no lockdown is currently in effect, the escape of Shane Pryor serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a secure and robust juvenile justice system to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.