Authorities in California are searching for six inmates who managed to escape from Merced County Jail just after midnight on Saturday (January 9). The men, who are between the ages of 19 and 22, gained access to the roof of the jail and used a homemade rope to scale down the side of the building.
Guards did not notice the men were missing until the following morning, giving them an eight-hour head start.
The Merced County Sheriff's office identified the six inmates as:
- Jorge Barron, 20. He was being held on a probation violation.
- Gabriel FrancisCoronado, 19. He is facing charges of attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and violating probation.
- Manuel Allen Leon, 21. He faces charges of assault with a firearm, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, evading a peace officer/reckless driving, participation in a criminal street gang, and carrying a loaded firearm.
- Andres Nunez Rodriguez Jr., 21. He is charged with attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
- Fabian Cruz Roman, 22. He is facing murder charges.
- Edgar Eduardo Ventura, 22. He was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, participation in a criminal street gang, and probation violation.
Authorities are conducting an internal investigation into how the men managed to escape their cells unnoticed.
"That's not acceptable on anybody's watch," Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke said. "If we've got folks that need to be held accountable, we will be holding them accountable; I will not let this ride."
Officials said the men should be considered dangerous and advised the public to call 911 if they see them.
Photo: Merced County Sheriff's Office