The inmates, aged between 19 and 22, were able to reach the roof of the jail and used a ‘homemade rope to scale down the jail’s side’, the release said.
According to the release, the prison staff discovered that the men were missing from their cell just before midnight on Sunday. All the prisoners are considered armed and dangerous.
“The sheriff of Merced County has assembled a task force to locate and apprehend these fugitives,” the release read. “Anyone with information or anyone who sees any of these individuals is asked not to approach them and call 9-1-1 immediately.”
The prisoners are facing a number of charges.
According to the release, Gabriel Coronado, 19, of Atwater, California, is being held on charges of attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited home, participating in a criminal street gang, criminal in possession of a firearm and violation of probation.
Manuel 21 (21) of Vallejo, California, was arrested on charges of assault with a firearm, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, evasion of peace officer – reckless driving, participation in a criminal street gang and carrying a loaded firearm, reads the release.
According to the sheriff’s office, Andres Rodriguez, 21, of Planada, California, is being held on charges of attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited residence, participating in a criminal street gang and a criminal in possession of a firearm.
Fabian Roman, 22, of Los Banos, California, is being held on a charge of murder, according to the release.
Edgar Ventura, 22, of Portland, Oregon, is being held on charges of criminal possession of a firearm, participating in a criminal street gang and violating the trial, the release said.
According to the release, Jorge Barron, 20, of Atwater was in jail for violating the thesis.
The sheriff’s office said it would update the public with additional information if available.
This is an evolving story and will be updated as more information becomes available.