Imprisoned man flees from drug-rehab center

A Philadelphia man was serving the latter part of his state prison term at a Chester County drug-rehab center when he fled on Thursday, state police said Tuesday.

James L. Abner, 25, was last seen at 6:40 p.m. running from the back of the Gaudenzia Inc. drug rehabilitation facility in Westtown Township, police said.

State prison officials said Abner had been granted prerelease and was nearing his minimum release date - Aug. 21 - for a three- to six-year prison term for illegal firearms possession. Instead, he will face additional charges when he is returned to custody, police said.

Police, who described Abner as an escaped felon with a history of drug and weapons offenses, urged anyone with information to call the Embreeville barracks at 484-340-3241. - Kathleen Brady Shea