A manhunt is underway for a prisoner who escaped Tuesday morning from police in East New York.

Police say 39-year-old Gerald Brooks fled from police while in custody and handcuffed at around 5:30 a.m. A police source says Brooks pushed a detective and ran off down Georgia Avenue toward New Lots Avenue.

NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton says he is disappointed in the officers involved.

"They are an embarrassment to themselves in terms of their professional skills or lack of them in once again letting a prisoner escape in the city, and they will be dealt with very appropriately for that incompetence," says Bratton.

Brooks is described as having long black dreadlocks and was last seen wearing a red baseball cap, a blue hooded jacket and blue jeans. He is reportedly not carrying any money or identification.

Brooks has more than 50 prior arrests and is wanted for five separate crimes. Anyone with information on Brooks' whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-8477.