Three men who escaped a Santa Ana jail on Friday did so with a “very well thought-out plan”, say authorities – who have also offered a $50,000 reward for their capture.
Authorities say that the inmates cut through 1/2-inch steel bars and plumbing tunnels in order to escape to the prison’s roof. From there, the trio used tied sheets to rappel down to the ground. Police are investigating if they fled on foot or were picked up by a waiting vehicle.
“The sheriff’s No. 1 priority in this is the safety of our community,” said Lt. Jeff Hallock during a press conference. “We have dedicated all available resources to this search and investigation so that we may bring all three inmates back into custody.”
The three fugitives are:
- Hossein Nayeri, 37, has been in custody since September 2014, facing charges for kidnapping, aggravated mayhem, torture and burglary. He was being held without bail.
- Jonathan Tieu, 20 faces charges for murder, shooting at an inhabited home, a criminal street gang enhancement and attempted murder. He has been in custody since October 2013 on a $1 million bail.
- Bac Duong, 43, faces charges for attempted murder, an ex-felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, car theft, assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an inhabited home. He was being held without bail due to an immigration hold since December 2015.
The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service is offering a combined reward of $50,000 for information leading to the arrests of the three men, but caution the public that these men are dangerous and may be armed.
“Each of the three should be viewed as very dangerous. We don’t have any specific information that they are armed, but I think the public should expect the worst if they’re encountering them,” said Hallock.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous tips can also be left calling O.C. Crime Stoppers at 855-847-6227.
