Manhunt for murderer after California prison escape
Police have launched a manhunt in California for a convicted murderer who escaped from a van on his way to court.
Cesar M. Hernandez was being transported to the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano, California on Monday when he made his getaway. When his van arrived at approximately 10:45 am, he managed to evade custodial officers, jump out of the van, and run.
Officers have said Hernandez is “dangerous” and have warned the public not to approach him.
It is unknown at this time whether he was aided in his escape.
Hernandez was sentenced to 25 years to life in 2019 for first degree murder. His sentence for the second-strike offense came with the possibility of parole.
As of early Tuesday, Hernandez is still missing, and is being searched for by officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), the California Highway Patrol, the Delano Police Department, and the McFarland police department.
Hernandez is described as 34 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall and the CDCR has said that he weighs approximately 161 pounds. He is also described as having brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing an orange top and orange pants as part of a CDCR jumpsuit. He was also wearing white thermals, according to the Delano Police Department.
The Delano Police Department posted to their Facebook page about the search saying: “Thank you for your vigilance in helping to ensure community safety. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
They also stated: “Community members are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity or sightings immediately.
“Hernandez is considered dangerous. If you see him, do not approach.”
The McFarland Police Department reposted the same update written by the Delano Police Department.
In their alert about Hernandez, the CDCR stated: “Since 1977, 99 percent of all offenders who have left an adult institution, camp, or community-based program without permission have been apprehended.”
On November 27, the CDCR successfully apprehended a woman who was convicted of assault who walked away from her Female Community Reentry Program (FCRP) in Santa Fe Springs.
CDCR said she is now being “referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for consideration of escape charges.”
Per the CDCR: “Anyone who sees Hernandez or has knowledge of his whereabouts should immediately contact law enforcement, call 9-1-1, or contact Lt. Anthony Sotello, the Incident Commander at (661) 721-6300 extension 5506.”
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