ELLIS COUNTY, KAN. — A manhunt is currently underway in Ellis County after an inmate, Juan Olivares Herrera, escaped custody on Saturday while being transported from Hays Medical Center. Local law enforcement is actively searching the area, and officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.
According to Ellis County Sheriff S. Braun, Herrera managed to flee custody near 22nd Street and Canterbury Drive in Hays. He was last seen running southbound from that intersection. Law enforcement agencies have established a search perimeter, and officers are combing the area on foot and by vehicle in an attempt to locate the escaped inmate.
Juan Olivares Herrera is described as:
- Hispanic male
- Brown hair, brown eyes
- 5 feet 8 inches tall
- Approximately 100 pounds
- Sporting a large black and grey watercolor-style tattoo on his left shoulder and chest
- Last seen with a mustache and goatee
- Wearing bright orange jail-issued clothing and handcuffs at the time of escape
- Has a visible leg injury, although it is unknown which leg is affected
Herrera was in custody on several serious charges, including Domestic Battery, Aggravated Robbery, and Disorderly Conduct. His current status and intentions remain unknown, but authorities consider him dangerous, especially given the violent nature of the charges he faces.
Residents in and around the Hays area are strongly advised not to approach Herrera under any circumstances. If you spot someone matching his description, immediately call 911 and report the sighting to authorities.
Sheriff Braun has assured the public that every available resource is being deployed to apprehend the escapee. “We are taking this matter extremely seriously,” Braun stated. “We are actively working with local and regional agencies to ensure this individual is located and returned to custody as quickly and safely as possible.”
Authorities are also reviewing transport protocols and internal procedures to determine how the escape occurred and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. In the meantime, residents are urged to remain alert, follow official advisories, and avoid the search area if possible to ensure their own safety and the integrity of the investigation.
If you see Juan Olivares Herrera or have any information on his whereabouts, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to engage or detain him.
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