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Cuomo: "Escaped Prisoners Most Likely Had Help"

 

Authorities are searching for two convicted murderers who used power tools to escape from a maximum-security New York prison in a "Shawshank Redemption"-style breakout.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says Richard Matt and David Sweat broke out of the Clinton Correctional Facility in an "elaborate, sophisticated operation" that involved shimmying through a steam pipe.

The men were reported missing from their beds at about 5:30 a.m. Saturday.

Roadblocks were set up in the area of the prison, about 20 miles from the Canadian border. Bloodhounds and helicopters were being used to track down the men.

A $100,000 reward has been posted for information leading to their capture. People with information are advised to call 1-800-GIVE-TIP. Cuomo speaking on NBC's the Today Show said he believes the prisoners had inside assistance in their escape.

©2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.