Two men suspected of murder have escaped a high-security California jail and are on the loose, prompting a frantic manhunt.
Jonathan Salazar, 20, and Santos Fonseca, 21, who have been held in custody since 2018, both went missing from the Monterey County Jail on Sunday. Authorities are still trying to figure out how the men escaped but are warning they should be considered dangerous.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said both men were in jail “for murder and other violent charges” and is offering $5,000 for information leading to the duo’s capture.
Escape from Monterey County Jail. Inmates Santos Fonseca (left) and Jonathan Salazar (right) escaped from jail this morning. Both were in custody for murder and other violent charges. Please call MCSO at 755-3722 with any information of their whereabouts pic.twitter.com/uxIACTb2OT
— Monterey Co Sheriff (@MCoSheriff) November 3, 2019
Fonseca had been charged with two counts of murder and attempted robbery and was being held on $2.25 million bail. Salazar was charged in July 2018 for a fatal shooting in October 2017.
“An investigation is underway to determine their means of escape but, at this time, we can provide no details on that topic,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Our focus, and resources, are dedicated to locating and returning Fonseca and Salazar to custody.”
The last time someone managed to escape the facility was five years ago when an inmate climbed through a ventilation duct at the jail. He was later found and arrested.
Sheriff’s deputies are warning residents in the area who might spot the two men to stay away and immediately call police.
