Missing Banning inmate prompts hours-long search

BANNING – An inmate being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning was discovered missing during an hourly headcount The woman’s disappearance led to an hours-long search Wednesday, Aug. 10.

The inmate, who has only identified as a 19-year-old woman, is in custody for theft-related offenses. Officials have not yet released where the inmate was arrested or how long she had been incarcerated at the facility.

Correctional deputies discovered the inmate missing during a headcount at 4 p.m. The jail, one of five within the county’s jail system, is located at 1627 S. Hargrave Street in Banning.

Armed deputies created a perimeter surrounded the facility, as correctional deputies and jail officials searched the entire jail and facility. During the search, the sheriff’s aviation crew circled the area, searching for the missing inmate.

Neighborhood residents were notified about the missing inmate and told to watch out for her and immediately report any suspicious activities, persons or vehicles seen near the jail facility.

 

The inmate was reportedly missing for about 3-1/2 hours. Searchers eventually found her hiding in an outbuilding within the jail’s perimeter ending the search about 7:30 p.m., according to sheriff’s officials.

Sheriff’s officials have not been released a motive or reasoning for the inmate’s disappearance. Officials have also not disclosed if the inmate will face any additional charges for her disappearance or if her disappearance was related to an escape attempt.

 

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