Six inmates use handmade rope to escape from Merced County jail

On January 10, 2021, the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Jail Staff determined that just before midnight, six inmates housed at the Merced County Downtown Jail were missing from their cell. 

 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.  

The Merced County Sheriff’s Office has formed a task force to track down and apprehend these fugitives. 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 Merced County Sheriff's Office will update with additional information as it becomes available.

 The following inmates should be considered armed and dangerous and are wanted by the Merced County Sheriff’s Office for escape:

BARRON, JORGE; 20-years-old, Hispanic Male Adult, 5’05” 140lbs, Black Hair, Brown Eyes, from Atwater, Ca– Current Charges - violation of probation

CORONADO, GABRIEL FRANCIS; 19-years-old, Hispanic Male Adult, 5’10”, 225lbs, Black Hair, Brown Eyes, from Atwater, Ca – Current Charges - attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, felon in possession of a firearm, violation of probation.

LEON, MANUEL ALLEN; 21-years-old, Hispanic Male Adult, 5’10” 165lbs, Black Hair, Brown Eyes, from Vallejo, California – Current Charges - assault with a firearm, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, evade peace officer – reckless driving, participation in a criminal street gang, carrying a loaded firearm

RODRIGUEZ JR, ANDRES NUNEZ; 21-years-old, Hispanic Male Adult, 5’07”, 145lbs, Black Hair, Brown Eyes, from Planada, Ca – Current Charges - Attempted Murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, felon in possession of a firearm.

ROMAN, FABIAN CRUZ– 22-years-old, Hispanic Male Adult, 5’06”, 145lbs, Black Hair, Brown Eyes, from Los Banos, Ca – Current Charges – murder

VENTURA, EDGAR EDUARDO – 22-years-old, Hispanic Male Adult, 5’11”, 129lbs, Black Hair, Brown Eyes from Portland, Oregon– Current Charges – felon in possession of a firearm, participation in a criminal street gang, violation of probation.