Inmate Escapes Briefly During Jail Transfer

Ventura County sheriff’s deputies quickly recaptured a prisoner Wednesday morning after he unsuccessfully tried to wrestle car keys from a woman as he fled from the County Jail, authorities said.

James Michael Macias, 27, of Oxnard was being transferred with a group of inmates from the Todd Road Jail to the Ventura County Jail at the Government Center when he slipped out of his handcuffs, said Capt. Bruce Hansen of the sheriff’s court services bureau.

“When the bus pulled into the Hall of Justice holding area, he bolted away from the other inmates,” Hansen said.

A woman who asked that her name not be used said she saw Macias running across South Hill Street behind the jail toward the Pelican Point apartment complex. The woman, who was walking to her apartment from her truck, thought the man may have just been released from jail, but as he drew close she became concerned, said her boyfriend, Mike Ortega, 23.

“He sort of grabbed her in a bear hug and tried to get her keys,” Ortega said. “I heard her scream and ran out, but by the time I got there he was already gone.”

Deputies and Ventura police patrol cars quickly swarmed the area. A helicopter was soon hovering overhead as deputies closed in and captured Macias, officials said.

Macias, already awaiting trial on charges of assault, grand theft and parole violation, now faces escape charges. Ventura police are also considering charging him with battery and attempted carjacking, officials said.