The Merced County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's assistance in finding six inmates who escaped from the Merced County Jail on Sunday.
The six inmates were discovered missing from their cell from the downtown Merced County Jail just after midnight on Sunday. 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, according to the sheriff's department.
The escaped inmates have been identified as:
— Jorge Barron, 20, of Atwater. He was jailed for a violation of probation. He is 5 feet 5 inches tall, 140 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.
— Gabriel Francis Coronado, 19, of Atwater. He was in jail for charges of attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, felon in possession of a firearm, and a violation of probation. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 225 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.
— Manuel Allen Leon, 21, of Vallejo. He was in jail for 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. He is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
— Andres Nunez Rodriguez Jr., 21, of Planada. He was in jail for charges of attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is 5 feet 7 inches tall, 145 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
— Fabian Cruz Roman, 22, of Los Banos. He was in jail on a charge of murder. He is 5 feet 6 inches, 145 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
— Edgar Eduardo Ventura, 22, of Portland, Ore. He was in jail on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, participation in a criminal street gang, and violation of probation.
Anyone with information or anyone who sees any of these individuals is asked not to approach them and to immediately call 9-1-1.
The sheriff's department has formed a task force and is working with several local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the United States Marshals Service, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Special Services Unit, to track down and apprehend the six inmates.
One woman, Alexia Jaci Hernandez-Ramirez, has been jailed by the sheriff's department for felony accessory charges in relation to the escape, according to KMPH Fox 26 News.
A tip line has been set up by the U.S. Marshalls Service and a reward of up to $5,000 per escapee is being offered for any information leading to the apprehension of these subjects.
To provide information you can call: 1-877-WANTED-2 (1-877-926-8332) or you can visit the following link: https://www.usmarshals.gov/tips/index.html All information given can remain anonymous.
