CENTRAL, CA – Residents were left on edge after a convicted murderer made a daring escape while being transported to court, sparking a tense manhunt in the small community. The brazen incident, captured on surveillance video, unfolded in broad daylight, leaving many questioning how such a lapse in security could occur.
The footage reveals Cesar Hernandez, who was serving an 80-years-to-life sentence for first-degree murder, sprinting across an empty lot with a correctional officer trailing behind. Hernandez was on his way to be arraigned for a separate offense involving a weapon found in his possession while incarcerated. In a shocking twist, he managed to break free and make a run for it, disappearing into a nearby alley.
The escape, which took place near the courthouse behind the city hall, showed Hernandez unencumbered by shackles or handcuffs. As he darted across the lot, an officer in pursuit briefly raised his weapon but ultimately lowered it as Hernandez vanished from sight.
Dakota Salazar, who works nearby, witnessed the aftermath of the escape. “I saw a police officer pull up to the gate, and the sheriff seemed distracted,” he recounted, describing the tense moments as law enforcement swarmed the area.
The dramatic escape on Monday triggered a week of anxiety for the town’s residents. Schools were closed, and local holiday events were canceled as authorities combed the area in search of Hernandez. The community, gripped by fear, remained on high alert as the search intensified.
While some residents expressed their concerns, others found solace in the belief that Hernandez may have already fled the area. This provided a glimmer of relief to those hoping to return to their normal routines.
The incident has raised questions about the protocols in place for transporting high-risk inmates and the measures needed to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine how Hernandez managed to escape and are urging the public to remain vigilant.
As the manhunt continues, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution, eager to put the unsettling episode behind them and restore a sense of safety and security.