Eight Escape Through Jail's Roof

Clovis News Journal (Clovis, N.M.)

Aug. 25--Eight inmates who escaped from the Curry County Adult Detention Center about 9:45 on Sunday night apparently cut a hole through the roof using hand-made instruments.

One has been captured but seven remain at large, including convicted killer Edward Salas.

Larry McClendon, a murder suspect, was also among those who have escaped, according to a news release from the Curry County Sheriff's Department.

Officials said at a Monday morning press conference the escape was discovered when Clovis police officers noticed two people in orange jumpsuits running in the vicinity of the jail. One inmate, Victor Apodaca, was captured after a short foot pursuit, but the other man escaped.

U.S. marshals have been brought in on the investigation, according to Capt. Jimmy Glascock, the District 9 state police commander.

Glascock said officials set up road blocks in Tucumcari, Fort Sumner, Santa Rosa and Clovis overnight. Those roadblocks were lifted around 3 a.m. today.

A Sheriff's Office news release reported extra units from state police, Clovis police, Curry County sheriff and Roosevelt County sheriff will be on patrol throughout the day.

"Everyone is working to develop leads and investigate those (leads)," Glascock said.

Deputy Warden Audrey Barriga, interim jail administrator since Leslie Johnson's retirement on Aug. 16, declined to comment this morning.

Sheriff Matt Murray said he suspects the inmates are not together.

"We have a feeling that they have split up and went different ways," Murray said.

Murray said in addition to the Clovis region, law enforcement is also checking leads in Cactus, Texas and Albuquerque.

Around 8 a.m. Monday, Murray said a Clovis Public Works employee found an orange jail jumpsuit in a dumpster at 14th and Mitchell Streets behind McDonald's restaurant.

Murray said law enforcement has been receiving numerous calls and information, all of which is being investigated.

"We're asking the community to come together ... if they notice anything (please call)," he said, stressing the escapees should not be approached and should be considered dangerous.

Officials scheduled another press conference for 3 p.m. today.

The seven who remain at large are:

--Victor Sotelo, 26, 5-foot-3 inches, 135 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his stomach that reads "SHORTY." He faces pending charges for aggravated assault.

--Larry McClendon, 19, 6-foot-1 inch, 152 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. He faces pending murder and aggravated robbery charges.

--Javier Zapata, 19, 5-foot-4 inches, 165 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. He has tattoos on his back -- "ZAPATA" -- right arm -- "JAVIER," "EVA" and a cross and a tattoo on his chest: "OLGA." He faces pending charges for aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, shooting at a motor vehicle and abuse of a child.

--Raynaldo Enriquez, 19, 5-foot-10 inches, 210 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes. His tattoos include "JERIMIAH" on his neck and a clown with a skull on his right shoulder. He faces pending multiple aggravated burglary, robbery and assault/battery charges.

--Michael England, 29, 5-foot-7 inches, 130 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his back -- "Only God Can Judge Me," a tattoo on his right forearm -- "South" -- and a tattoo on his left forearm: "Side." He faces pending charges for tampering with evidence and felon in possession of a firearm.

--Edward Salas, 21, 5-foot-5 inches, 180 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his back -- "SALAS" -- and a tattoo on his right arm: "LISA." He's been convicted of murder and was awaiting transfer to the New Mexico Department of Corrections.

--Louis Chavez, 18, 5-foot-2 inches, 177 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. He has a tattoo on his chest that reads "FEAR NONE."

Salas was convicted of murder on April 11 and sentenced last month to a minimum of 68 years in prison.

He is one of three brothers convicted in the Sept. 15, 2005, shooting death of 10-year-old Carlos Perez.

McClendon is accused in the January 2007 shooting death of a secondhand store owner. Officials have said they believe he shot Emmett Salisbury in a drug dispute.

Clovis' jail has been plagued by problems in recent years, including escapes.

The most recent escape before Sunday occurred July 15 when a female prisoner hid behind a food cart and was able to reach the street. Angelica Madrid, 33, was chased by detention center officers when she was knocked down by a passing vehicle as she darted across Main Street. She was free only for about 30 seconds.

In December 2006, an inmate escaped from the jail and law enforcement was not notified for two days. Jail officials announced they were reviewing protocol and revising policies following that incident.

The latest escape comes amid changes in jail leadership.

CNJ reported earlier this month that Warden Leslie Johnson was due to retire on Aug. 16. She had managed the facility since March 2006.

Deputy Warden Barriga, who has more than 11 years corrections experience, was to serve as interim warden after Johnson's departure, County Manager Lance Pyle said.

Pyle said he planned to reassess the jail situation in September and determine the future of the position.

To see more of The Clovis News Journal or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.clovis-news-nm.com/.

Copyright (c) 2008, Clovis News Journal, N.M.

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