Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
One Escaped Inmate From Orange County Jail Captured, Two Still At Large
One of the three escaped inmates who broke out of an Orange County jail has been captured, though two still remain at large.Bac Duong, 43, was arrested today in Santa Ana after escaping from the Men's County Jail in Orange County along with two other inmates on January 22. Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens said that Duong, who is suspected of stealing a white van on Saturday, got ahold of a civilian and told them he wanted to surrender, City News Service reports. He was taken into custody just before noon near the Auto Electric Rebuilders shop at 4121 North Harbor Boulevard, according to the O.C. Register.
Duong had been facing charges of had been charged with attempted murder, carjacking, domestic violence and a number of weapons violations prior to his escape.
#OCSDPIO: Bac Duong IN-CUSTODY being escorted into Sheriff's HQ. VIDEO: https://t.co/2vFWvkjB4N
— OC Sheriff, CA (@OCSheriff) January 29, 2016
Authorities are still looking for the van that they believe Duong stole after responding to a Craigslist ad offering the van for sale. It's a white GMC Savannah with a paper license plate from Felix Chevrolet, number 8U66466, though it's possible those plates may have been removed or replaced.
Sponsored message
Still on the loose are Jonathan Tieu, 20, who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of a rival gang member, and 37-year-old Hossein Nayeri. Nayeri is was accused of kidnapping a marijuana clinic owner with the aid of two others, then torturing him with a blowtorch, chopping off his penis and leaving him in the desert to die. Deputy D.A. Heather Brown said that when she heard of Nayeri's escape, "My first reaction was: Oh, my God, they let Hannibal Lecter out. He is sophisticated, incredibly violent and cunning."
The three men escaped Men's County Jail in Santa Ana in the early morning hours of Friday, January 22. Authorities believe the men cut through several metal barriers, then made their way through plumbing tunnels to the roof of the jail, before rappelling to the ground using ropes made of sheets and clothing. Police have arrested Nooshafarian Ravaghi, 44, an ESL teacher who had been a contracted employee at the jail for the past six months, alleging that she provided Nayeri with maps and other information used in the escape.
Hallock said that Nayeri and Ravaghi—who are both originally from Iran—met in a class Ravaghi was teaching at the jail.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
