Inmate of Theo Lacy Jail Climbs Over Fence, Escapes
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A 23-year-old inmate, serving time for attempted burglary, escaped from Theo Lacy branch jail in Orange on Saturday by climbing a fence, Orange County sheriff’s deputies said.
Patrick Gear Kroska, sentenced to 180 days for attempted burglary and giving false information to a police officer, remained at large late Saturday night, said Lt. Russ Elsner.
Kroska is not considered dangerous, he said. “If he was, he wouldn’t have been out there (at a minimum-security jail),” Elsner said.
The jail, at 501 The City Drive, is occupied by “lower-risk” prisoners who have not exhibited violence, Elsner said.
Kroska was in the recreation yard about 2:20 p.m. when he climbed over a fence near a riverbed, Elsner said. The yard is patrolled by roving guards.
“He was at one end of the field and jumped over and took off,” Elsner said.
The search will continue, he said. Kroska, a Santa Clara resident, had been arrested by Tustin police for the burglary.
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