Inmates aged 19 to 22 were able to reach the roof of the prison and used a “homemade rope to climb the side of the prison,” the release said.
According to the release, prison staff discovered that the men were missing from their cells just before midnight on Sunday. All prisoners are considered armed and dangerous.
“The Merced County Sheriff’s Office has formed a task force to locate and arrest these fugitives,” the release said. “Anyone with information or anyone who sees any of these people is asked not to approach them and to call 9-1-1 immediately.”
The prisoners faced a number of charges.
According to the release, Gabriel Coronado, 19, of Atwater, California, was detained on charges of attempted murder, shooting at an occupied home, participating in a criminal street gang, criminal in possession of a firearm and probation violation.
Manuel Leon, 21, of Vallejo, California, was detained on charges of assault with a firearm, shooting at an occupied home, dodging a peace official – driving recklessly, participating in a criminal street gang and carrying a loaded firearm, the release said.
The sheriff’s office said Andres Rodriguez, Jr., 21, of Planada, California, was being held on charges of attempted murder, shooting at an occupied home, participating in a criminal street gang, and a criminal in possession of a firearm.
Fabian Roman, 22, of Los Banos, California, was held on a charge of murder, according to the release.
Edgar Ventura, 22, of Portland, Oregon, was detained on charges of a criminal in possession of a firearm, participation in a criminal street gang and violation of probation, the release said.
Jorge Barron, 20, from Atwater, was reportedly in prison for probation violation.
The sheriff’s office said it would update the public with additional information if available.
This is a story in development and will be updated when more information is available.