An inmate pulled a Houdini from Ventura County Jail on Tuesday evening, prompting a manhunt by the local authorities. The inmate, identified as 31-year-old Jonathan Alfaro, was in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility when he decided to take an unsanctioned leave while assigned as a Kitchen Worker.
According to the sheriff's office details, Alfaro was last seen around 7:00 pm on the jail's loading dock before he vanished from the premises on 800 S. Victoria Avenue. Given his non-violent profile, Alfaro had been deemed fit for the work assignment after rigorous screening by a jail’s Classification Unit. Despite signing an escape clause as part of his worker's contract, Alfaro chose to take the risk and flee the site.
The Ventura sheriff's office quickly issued a VC Alert for the surrounding area, urging the public to keep an eye peeled for Alfaro. He is described as a Hispanic male, standing 5’ 4” and weighing about 140 lbs, with short black hair and a black beard and mustache. At the time of his disappearance, the escape artist was clad in jail-standard blue jeans and an orange T-shirt, although officials note that Alfaro's wardrobe could have changed since then.
The authorities have reassured residents that Alfaro, nabbed for burglary, isn’t considered a danger to the public or a threat to the community. However, if a good Samaritan does spot Alfaro, they’re urged to avoid contact or attempts to nab him but to call 911 instead. Anyone with information that could lead to Alfaro’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the sheriff's office at 805-654-9511, as noted in their public alert.
