Six inmates escape jail using homemade rope they threw over prison wall
Six inmates escaped from jail using a ‘homemade rope’ they threw over the prison wall.
The six men, aged between 19 and 22, escaped from the Merced County Downtown Jail in California yesterday and are considered to be ‘armed and dangerous’, according to local police.
Jail staff discovered the men were missing from their cells just before midnight, prompting a state-wide search for the fugitives.
One of the prisoners was in jail on murder charges, whilst two of the others were put behind bars on attempted murder charges.
The gang are said to have used a rope they made themselves to ‘scale down the side of the jail’ building before fleeing the area undetected.
In a statement released last night, Merced County Sheriff’s office appealed for the public’s help to locate the absconders, but stressed that people not to approach the men.
The police said: ‘The Merced County Sheriff’s Office Jail Staff determined that just before midnight, six inmates housed at the Merced County Downtown Jail were missing from their cell.
‘A preliminary investigation has determined that the inmates were able to gain access to the roof of the facility and utilize a homemade rope to scale down the side of the jail.
‘The Merced County Sheriff’s Office has formed a task force to track down and apprehend these fugitives.
‘Anyone with information or anyone who sees any of these individuals is asked not to approach them and to immediately call 911.’
Between them the inmates who escaped are facing murder, attempted murder and multiple firearm charges.
The release said Gabriel Coronado, 19, of Atwater, California, was being held on charges of attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, felon in possession of a firearm and violation of probation.
Manuel Leon, 21, of Vallejo, California, faces charges of assault with a firearm, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, evade peace officer — reckless driving, participation in a criminal street gang and carrying a loaded firearm.
Andres Rodriguez Jr, 21, of Planada, California, was being held on charges of attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, and felon in possession of a firearm.
Fabian Roman, 22, of Los Banos, California, was being held on a charge of murder.
Edgar Ventura, 22, of Portland, Oregon, was being held on charges felon in possession of a firearm, participation in a criminal street gang and violation of probation.
Jorge Barron, 20, of Atwater, was in jail on a violation of probation charge, according to the release.
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