UPDATE: A 33-year-old inmate who escaped from a fire crew camp in Santa Clarita has been apprehended, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Alejandro A. Tobarfuentes was reported missing around 10 p.m. on November 9, 2024, from the Francisquito Conservation Camp No. 4.
Authorities acted swiftly, capturing Tobarfuentes without incident in Mecca, California. He has since been transferred to the California Institution for Men in Chino. This capture comes as a relief, given the serious nature of his prior offenses.
Tobarfuentes was originally arrested on June 8, 2024, after a dramatic police chase that ended with a head-on collision between the Mini Cooper he was driving and a Toyota Camry. The incident occurred when he and an accomplice were driving in the wrong direction, narrowly avoiding an Orange County sheriff’s deputy who attempted to pull them over. The driver of the Camry sustained serious injuries from the crash, which followed a burglary in San Juan Capistrano.
Sentenced to four years and eight months for first-degree burglary and other offenses, Tobarfuentes is identified as a Chilean national in the U.S. on a visa waiver from the Department of Homeland Security. His escape raised concerns about security protocols within the correctional system, prompting discussions about the risks posed by inmates with violent histories.
As investigations continue, this incident highlights the importance of stringent monitoring of inmate movements, especially in non-secure facilities. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as officials continue to address the implications of Tobarfuentes’ escape and capture.
