SAN JOSE—On Wednesday, November 23, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office indicated that four prisoners from the Santa Clara County Jail including Rogelio Chavez, 33, from San Jose, and Laron Campbell, 26, from Palo Alto escaped around 11:00 p.m. The first two suspects, whose names have not been disclosed to the public were recaptured immediately, Chavez and Campbell are still on the run.
Chavez has been in police custody since August for extortion, resisting arrest, and burglary. Campbell has been in police custody since February 2015 for robbery, firearms violations, and criminal threats.
The prison, which was constructed in the 1950s, does not have cameras. Chavez and Campbell obtained tools to cut through the bars of one of the second story windows in one of the oldest jail cells to escape. Both suspects, along with the other unidentified prisoners, used bed sheets and old clothes to assist them as they climbed through the open window.
Authorities have announced that both Campbell and Chavez are armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Sheriff Laurie Smith indicated during a press conference on Friday, November 25, that anyone who spots the suspects are asked to call 911. Smith has offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrests of both suspects.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office tweeted: “11/28 Update: New tips place Rogelio Chavez in Gilroy, CA last night. If you see him or L. Campbell, Call 911! $20K Reward.”
Authorities received a tip that led them to the Gilroy Days Inn where Rogelio Chavez was believed to be hiding out, but they did not find the suspect.
Anyone with information on the suspects should contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office at (408) 808-4500.
Written By Alexandra Evans and Donald Roberts
