Central California officials are looking for six inmates who used a “homemade rope” to escape a county prison
MERCED, California – Central California officials searched Sunday for six inmates who used a “homemade rope” to escape from a county jail, sheriff officials said.
All six fugitives are to be considered armed and dangerous, Merced County Sheriff’s office said in a press release.
Merced County Downtown prison staff noted on Saturday that the six inmates were missing, the statement said.
“A preliminary investigation determined that prisoners were able to access the roof of the facility and use a homemade rope to scale the side of the prison,” said the sheriff’s office.
Anyone who sees the fugitives is asked not to approach them and immediately call 911.
All but one suspect are charged with violent crimes, including murder.
They were identified as Jorge Barron, 20, from Atwater, California; Gabriel Francis Coronado, 19, of Atwater; Manuel Allen Leon, 21, from Vallejo, California; Andres Nunez Rodriguez Jr., 21 from Planada, California; Fabian Cruz Roman, 22, from Los Banos, California; and Edgar Eduardo Ventura, 22 from Portland, Oregon.
Roman is facing a murder charge. Coronado and Rodriguez Jr. face charges that include attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited residence, participating in a criminal street gang and being a criminal in possession of a firearm.
Ventura is accused of being a criminal for possession of a firearm, participation in a criminal street gang and violation of probation.
Leon is accused of assault with a firearm, shooting at an inhabited house, reckless driving to evade an officer, being a criminal in possession of a firearm and violating probation.
Barron faces a charge of parole violation.