You have the right to remain pantsless: convict escapes prison in his underwear

Hundreds of Japanese police officers are searching for a convict who escaped a jail wearing only his underpants. Yes, somewhere in Japan there is a semi-naked prisoner running about the place.

The Daily Mail reports that authorities in Hiroshima have issued an apology to the public as it is the first jailbreak in the country in more than 20 years. The fact that the guy is in his underwear is just extra embarrassing for them.

Li Guolin, 40, managed to escape after he climbed over a 20-foot high fence with the help of some builder’s scaffolding. Braving temperatures of just 4 degrees, the prisoner stripped down to his pants (we’re figuring so no one would know he was a prisoner or because he's a shameless exhibitionist) and fled the scene. He had been exercising in the prison’s yard when he legged it, catching officers completely off guard.

“We are really sorry about this escape,” a prison official said.

Li, a Chinese national, was sentenced to 23 years in prison in 2005 for breaking into a house, shooting at a police officer and stealing a squad car. He has been put on Japan’s ‘most wanted’ list and the media has been featuring him in most of their news bulletins.

Reports say that local residents are absolutely terrified as they are unaccustomed to escaped prisoners and are fearing that their lives could be in danger. Almost 800 police officers are searching for Mr Guolin and his picture has been spread throughout the city and on the Internet.

Police have told residents to take their clothes off their washing lines and lock their doors and windows just in case Li breaks in looking for clothes.

A convict running around in his pants - at least he'll be easy to spot when he finally comes out of hiding.