Three Dangerous Inmates Escape From Santa Ana Jail: Charges Include Murder
Three notorious and dangerous inmates escaped an Orange County jail in Santa Ana on Saturday, reported CBS Local. The inmates were charged with violent crimes such as torture and even murder.
The inmates possibly escaped sometime between 5 a.m. on Friday, which was when they were last seen at the Orange County Central Men’s Jail, and late Friday night. The jail in Santa Ana is only about 40 miles from Los Angeles.
A spokesman from the Santa Ana Sheriff’s Department, Jeff Hallock stated that investigators believe they know how the inmates escaped; although, they will not release the details at this time. This was possibly the first breakout from the Santa Ana Jail, at least in the past 20 years, Hallock clarified.
The Associated Press reveals the names of the escapees, as well as the list of the inmates’ charges.
Hossein Nayeri, 37, was held without bond in September 2014 on charges of kidnapping, torture, burglary and aggravated mayhem after he and three other men kidnapped the owner of a marijuana dispensary in 2012. Authorities say they took the owner to a spot in the desert where they believed the owner had money hidden and allegedly burned him with a blowtorch and cut off his penis. They then poured bleach on him in attempt to eliminate DNA evidence before they dumped him, and his girlfriend, alongside a road.
On the run for months, Nayeri was eventually captured in Prague in November 2014 as he was changing flights to Spain in order to visit family.
Jonathan Tieu, 20, was charged with murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling and also attempted murder back in October 2013, when he was held on $1 million bond. It was said to be a gang-related offense.
Bac Duong, 43, held without bond since last month is being charged with assault with a deadly weapon, attempted murder and shooting at an inhabited dwelling. He’s an ex-felon for various charges in possession of a firearm.
As reported by the Press Enterprise, Hallock made a statement at a news conference.
“Obviously the safety of the community is No. 1. We’re exhausting all investigative resources and measures to bring these three inmates back into custody.”
Nayeri is perhaps the most dangerous of the escapees, and all three are still pending trial according to the Press Enterprise. When it was realized the three inmates were missing, a large search of the jail went underway. When they still couldn’t find them, it was clear the inmates had escaped.
No further updates are available at this time. Please keep your eyes open and if you see any of the three suspects, please do not approach them as they are considered very dangerous. Instead, call the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 714-647-7000 or contact Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227 or via crimestoppers.org.
[AP Photo/Kevin Warn]
