[Update: Thursday, Oct. 18]: The inmate, who escaped from Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station on Tuesday night, has been identified as 19-year-old Edis Gonzales-Lopez.
Gonzales-Lopez climbed over a wall at the station, according to an alert from the LA County Sheriff’s Department. At the time, he was a “trustee”—an inmate assigned to work duty.
“Suspect Gonzalez [sic] is described as a 19 year old male Hispanic, 5’08”, 150 lbs, brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and an unknown color of pants,” the alert read.
The inmate was originally arrested on Sept. 17 for burglary. He is known to frequent Pacoima, per sheriff’s officials. (Pacoima is located in the San Fernando Valley area.)
Anyone with information is advised to call the LASD Major Crimes Bureau, Metro Detail, at 562.946.7893 or submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers (800.222.8477).
[Update: Wednesday, Oct. 17]: As of Wednesday morning, Oct. 17, the inmate, who escaped from Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station last night, has not yet been found.
A spokesperson for the sheriff’s station said the inmate’s photo would not be released due to an “ongoing criminal investigation.” LA County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau has been assigned to the search.
Locally, City Public Safety Manager Susan Dueñas said she was notified of the escape shortly after she arrived at the office Wednesday morning, around 8 a.m.
When asked whether the city was coordinating with sheriff’s deputies in the search, Dueñas said officials did not feel it was likely the inmate had made it into Malibu.
“We’ve been informed, but it’s so far outside our city jurisdiction there isn’t much for us to coordinate about,” Dueñas said.
The public safety manager said it was unlikely residents were at any safety risk from the escapee.
“This [notice from the sheriff’s station] felt more like an ‘FYI, this happened, we’re dealing with it,’” Dueñas said. “I didn’t blink an eye at it.” She added that if investigators expressed “any great concern” about a potentially dangerous situation, the city would respond appropriately.
Late into the night on Tuesday, Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station officials were searching for an inmate “who walked away” while on work duty at the station earlier in the evening of Oct. 16. According to LA County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Robinson, the incident was reported at 5:37 p.m. and, as of press time, the inmate had not been located.
A spokesperson for the Malibu/Lost Hills Station described the inmate as “a male Hispanic, around 19 years old.” When asked if the escaped inmate had been convicted of a violent crime, Watch Commander Sgt. Foss said the inmate had originally been arrested for burglary—“I’m not sure exactly what he burglarized,” Foss added.
Air support was assisting with the search as darkness fell Tuesday evening. Robinson could not confirm whether the inmate was presumed to be dangerous, though he stated that inmates who are assigned to work at stations are generally of “low-level” risk.
Of the incident, City Manager Reva Feldman said queries should be addressed to the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, but added, “As always, residents should lock their doors and call 911 if they see anything out of the ordinary.” Foss added that residents could also call the station directly at 818.878.1808.
Sheriff’s officials reached through the media information department said the search was primarily taking place around the station, though Foss said the search area had expanded by 10 p.m. Tuesday, due to “the possibility he’s in the surrounding area.” The station is located on Agoura Road in Calabasas.
The inmate had not been located by the time The Malibu Times went to print at 11 p.m. Tuesday night.
