Jail Escape Foiled; 2 Are Found Hiding
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An escape attempt by two South Bay Jail inmates failed early Friday morning when authorities discovered them hiding in a ceiling passageway, the Sheriff’s Department said.
Oscar Maela, 23, who had been recently sentenced to 17 years to life for murder, and Jimmy Martinez, 45, serving a six-year sentence for burglary, were recaptured and are expected to be charged with escape and destruction of jail property, said Sheriff’s Deputy George Gardner.
Deputies discovered a hole in the ceiling of the two inmates’ cell about 8 p.m. Thursday and both men were missing, Gardner said.
An immediate search was begun and the Chula Vista Police Department secured the surrounding area, Gardner said.
Shortly before 12:30 a.m., the men were found in a passageway above their cell and taken into custody without incident, he said.
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