LIMA, April 23, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - A 22-year-old thief named for the late John F. Kennedy has caused an uproar in Peru by escaping from prison, shouting out thanks to God as he dashed to freedom, according to video footage that has gone viral.

John Kennedy Javier Sebastian had been one of 10,000 inmates at Lima's Lurigancho prison -- Peru's most crowded, and built to hold 2,500.

On Monday night, he managed to escape from his cell, then climb over a perimeter fence and the outer wall -- both topped with razor wire and security spikes, according to the INPE prisons service.

Sebastian had been serving a 10-year sentence for theft since mid-2023.

"Hallelujah, Christ lives!" the fugitive can be heard shouting euphorically as he reaches the main road and darts off, according to video captured by neighbors.

Gunshots and dogs can be heard in the background, but Sebastian manages to get away unscathed.

The head of the prison was dismissed after his escape, said the INPE, and security reinforced. Authorities launched a manhunt.

The prison's last escape took place in 2017.