Northern California inmate escapes fire camp, manhunt underway

(FOX40.COM) — A California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation inmate who was stationed at a facility to combat fires and floods escaped on Friday, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office .

Deputies said the inmate was identified as 45-year-old Arnel Arienda and reportedly “walked away” from the Cal Fire Washington Ridge Conservation Camp in Nevada City. He is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall, 183 pounds, with a shaved head and possibly wearing gray or orange clothing.

Officials said they issued a “CodeRED,” a high-speed mass notification system service that allows mass delivery of emergency or time-sensitive messages to be sent via text, email, landline, cell phone, RSS, social media, or a mobile application push message, to the surrounding area.

A team of CDCR staff and sheriff’s office personnel said they are in search of Arienda. Anyone who sees him is advised to call 911. The Washington Ridge Conservation Camp can be reached at (530)265-4623.

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