California is on high alert as an intense manhunt is underway for Cesar M. Hernandez, a convicted murderer who executed a daring escape from police custody in Kern County on Monday morning. Hernandez, 34, was in transition to the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano for a court appearance when he managed to elude correctional staff and fled immediately after disembarking the transport van, as reported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder in Los Angeles County and was serving a 25-year to life sentence with the possibility of parole.

Described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing roughly 160 pounds, Hernandez was last seen wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, as detailed by KTLA. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact authorities immediately, with CDCR providing the contact number for Lieutenant Anthony Sotello. CDCR officials have released a statement urging the public to stay vigilant and to contact law enforcement if Hernandez is spotted but without forgetting that special agents and local police departments are working tirelessly in the pursuit.

In light of the escape, CDCR has emphasized its historical success in recapturing escapees, stating that "99 percent of all offenders who have left an adult institution, camp, or community-based program without permission have been apprehended."