Police searching for Trenton halfway house escapee

TRENTON — Police are looking for a man who escaped from the Columbus Halfway House on Tuesday evening.

Department of Corrections Spokesperson Melanie Weiss said 35-year-old Robert Jace was declared a "walkaway" from the facility at approximately 5:30 p.m. According to the Department of Corrections, Jace is a white male with brown hair and brown eyes standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.

On July 9 of last year, he was sentenced to a maximum of two years 11 months and three days for robbery in Bergen County. According to the DOC, he also goes by the name of Robert Ranko.

The Lawrence Township Police Department issued an alert saying Jace is considered non-violent, but also discouraging people from approaching him if they see him. Residents are also encouraged to keep their cars and homes locked until he is found.

The police are encouraging anyone who sees him to call 911 or call the department at 609-896-1111.

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Contact reporter Adam Hochron at 609-359-5326 or Adam.Hochron@townsquaremedia.com