Search underway for inmate who walked away from a fire crew in Highland

Deputies are searching for a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate who escaped custody Wednesday while working with a fire crew in Highland, authorities said.

Aided by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s helicopter and police dogs, deputies were scouring residential neighborhoods, canyons and foothills looking for Kent Lesporavsky, near Highway 330 and East Highland Avenue in Highland, Sheriff’s spokeswoman Jodi Miller said.

Lesporavsky, who lives and works at the Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp #41 in Valyermo, walked away from the crew while they were clearing weeds from a flood control channel in preparation for El Niño, CDCR Lt. William Mock said. He was last seen at 12:30 p.m.

“He was doing what he does every day,” Mock said. “For whatever reason, he took off on us.”

Lesporavsky, 43, was serving prison time for transportation of marijuana, according to the Sheriff’s Department. He has a history of theft, drug use and assault on police, authorities said. His release date was set for Aug. 7, 2018.

Mock said Lesporavsky may have gotten a ride from a family member or could be hiding out nearby.

“When we catch him, we’ll find out,” he said.

California Highway Patrol officers and specialized teams with the CDCR also are searching for Lesporavsky.

He was last seen wearing an orange inmate jumpsuit with a long sleeve white thermal shirt.
Anyone with details about Lesporavsky’s whereabouts is urged to call 911 or the Highland Police Department at (909) 425-9793.

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