Suspect Escapes from 77th Station Holding Cell

Los Angeles: A suspect being held on suspicion of robbery escaped from a holding cell at the 77th Street Police Station early this morning, June 9, 2005. It was estimated the escape was discovered within minutes of it occurring, around 2:20 AM. Officers immediately set up a perimeter around the neighborhood of the police station to search for the escapee.

The escape was accomplished when the suspect broke a 15″ by 9″ hole through the drywall, removing insulation, and pulling back a metal mesh security screen within the wall. He placed a trashcan from the hallway in front of the hole to cover his escape.

The 20-year-old male suspect had been arrested earlier for a robbery, which was reported on May 29, 2005. Police do not believe the suspect presents a significant risk to the community, and he did not appear to have any gang affiliation.

The suspect’s name has not been released, pending his confirmed identity through finger prints. He is described as Hispanic and goes by the moniker “Junior.” He has a shaved head and brown eyes. He is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing an orange long-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes. He had an abrasion on his right cheek.

The suspect was homeless and is known to hang out near McKinley and Florence Avenues.

The 77th Street Police Station was built in 1997. This is the first escape since the station was built. Unlike the 77th Station, the holding cells at the newer police stations, Mission, North Hollywood, and West Valley, were constructed out of cinder blocks, not drywall. Police facilities managers are inspecting all the holding cells in the city’s 19 police stations.

Once the suspect’s identity is confirmed, his photograph and name will be released. Four digital photos of the hole in the wall are available to media outlets upon request from Media Relations Section.

Anyone with information on the location of the escaped suspect is asked to call 77th Street Police Station at 213-485-4164. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).