Share
A manhunt is underway for six inmates who used a “homemade rope” to escape from the Merced County Jail, sheriff’s officials said Sunday.
All six escapees should be considered armed and dangerous, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
Staff noticed late Saturday that the six inmates were missing from the central California jail in downtown Merced, the release said.
“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 sheriff’s office said.
Anyone who spots the fugitives is asked not to approach them and immediately call 911.
Five of the Escapees Charged With Violent Crimes
All but one of the suspects is charged with violent felonies, including murder.
They were identified as Jorge Barron, 20, of Atwater, California; Gabriel Francis Coronado, 19, of Atwater; Manuel Allen Leon, 21, of Vallejo, California; Andres Nunez Rodriguez Jr., 21 of Planada, California; Fabian Cruz Roman, 22 of Los Banos, California; and Edgar Eduardo Ventura, 22 of Portland, Oregon.
Roman is facing a murder charge. Coronado and Rodriguez Jr. face charges including attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Ventura is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, participation in a criminal street gang and violation of probation.
Leon is charged with assault with a firearm, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, reckless driving to evade an officer, being a felon in possession of a firearm and violation of probation.
Barron faces a probation violation charge.
Watch: Sheriff Vern Warnke Talks About Jail Escape
(Associated Press contributed to this report.)
RELATED TOPICS:
Jose Ramirez: ‘I Want to Make a Statement and Put on a Show’
1 hour ago
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 6 Shutout Innings Help Dodgers Finish Sweep, Defeat Nats 2-1
2 hours ago
The 49ers Add Florida Receiver Ricky Pearsall With the 30th Draft Pick
2 hours ago
Political Stunt, Egg on His Face, Personal Vendetta. Who’s Fresno DA Talking About?
3 hours ago
LA Judge Deals a Blow to Law Allowing Duplexes in Single-Family Tracts
5 hours ago
US Announces New Patriot Missiles for Ukraine as Part of New $6 Billion Aid Package
5 hours ago
Andy Reid and Taylor Swift Agree: Fresno’s Xavier Worthy Is a Great 1st-Round Draft Pick
6 hours ago
Fresno Trash Hauler’s Response to Overpayments: We Followed the City’s Rules