noun
Refers to a person who has escaped from custody, legal pursuit, or a situation they are fleeing. Neutral term; can be used in legal, news, or everyday contexts.
警察は逃亡者を追っている。
The police are pursuing the fugitive.
彼は脱獄した逃亡者だ。
He is a fugitive who escaped from prison.
脱走者 specifically means 'escapee' from confinement (e.g., prison, military), whereas 逃亡者 is broader and includes anyone fleeing from authorities or a situation.
Compound of 逃亡 (tōbō, 'flight, escape') + 者 (sha, 'person'). The reading is on'yomi throughout.