The manhunt in San Diego has come to an end. Officials confirmed that Quintin G. Wilkerson, an escaped domestic violence offender, was back in custody after fleeing a reentry program designed to ease his transition back into society. According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), the 53-year-old was apprehended on March 24 following a daring foot chase by the Escondido Police Department.
Wilkerson's disappearance triggered a significant search after he successfully managed to give correctional officers the slip on March 15. During an emergency count, correctional officers were shocked to find him gone after authorities were earlier alerted by his tampered ankle monitor. After Wilkerson took flight, this incident marked a rare failure for a program boasting a 99 percent apprehension rate for walkaways since 1977.
Described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall, with brown eyes and a signature bald head, Wilkerson's last known outfit was a black and white shirt detailed with a unique logo on the sleeve and paired with black jeans, making him blend into the bustling San Diego crowds. Given his record of causing corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition, the public had been forewarned to exercise caution, as reported by Hoodline.
Having been part of the Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) since January 23, Wilkerson was initially serving a six-year sentence for corporal injury on specific persons and had an enhancement for inflicting great bodily injury involving domestic violence. The MCRP intends to connect soon-to-be-released individuals with essential social services, such as substance abuse treatment, to reduce recidivism. His re-arrest will lead the case to the San Diego County District Attorney, where he might face new escape charges, as obtained by CDCR officials.
Officials urge anyone with information on cases like these to contact the authorities to keep our communities safe and secure.
