Inmates rappelled from roof to escape California jail

Lieutenant Jeff Hallock stated at a Friday afternoon new conferences that authorities believe the escape occurred after a 5 a.m. Friday head count.

During a Saturday press conference, sheriff’s officials said the inmates escaped with a “very well thought-out plan” that could have taken weeks or months to complete.

Photos and surveillance video released by the Sheriff’s Department showed the cut dormitory screen, one of the ropes, and vague video of a flickering light on the roof that’s believed to be from at least one inmate preparing to rappel down the building, Hallock said.

They also cut through plumbing tunnels to reach an unguarded area of the roof.

The daring jailbreak recalled the escape of two convicted murderers from a maximum-security prison in upstate NY a year ago.

A massive manhunt has been launched for Hossein Nayeri, 37, Jonathan Tieu, 20, and Bac Duong, 43, who escaped from a jail in Orange County, California.

Tieu is charged with murder, Duong with attempted murder and Nayeri with kidnapping and torture, according to the Times.

Nayeri is charged with kidnapping, torture, aggravated mayhem and burglary and has been held since September 2014.

Duong has been held at the jail without bail since last month, charged with attempted murder and other counts.

On the ground, they made a run for it. A bloodhound picked up their scent but it appears the men jumped into a waiting vehicle as the trail went cold just outside the jail.

A “24-7” search continued Sunday for three unsafe prisoners who escaped Friday from the Orange County jail lockup in Santa Ana. It appears, according to Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, that the inmates were allowed free access through security check points.

The FBI and US Marshals Service have offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of the fugitive trio.

Once the men were discovered to be missing, arresting and investigating agencies that handled their cases, as well as the D.A.’s office, were notified and steps were taken to protect those involved, Hallock said. In November 2014 he was arrested in Prague while changing flights from Iran to Spain, where he was going to visit family.

The priority was finding the men – whom are possibly armed and considered unsafe – but a probe also is underway to see whether the men had any help from inside or outside the Orange County Men’s Central Jail, authorities said Sunday. They fled on foot, Hallock said.

“I am confident that this collaborative effort will result in returning these inmates to where they belong – behind bars”, Hutchens added in a statement.

Anyone who spots the escapees should call 911, authorities said. Anyone with information is asked to call the O.C. Sheriff’s Department at 714-628-7085 or to submit anonymous tips to CrimeStoppers at 855-847-6227.