Sighting Rekindles Search for Escaped Suspect

Authorities searched San Clemente today for a burglary suspect who slipped out of handcuffs while in the custody of two park rangers.

The suspect, who investigators believe is a transient named Jeff Webster, had his hands bound behind his back, but managed to get free and bail out of a park ranger vehicle at San Clemente State Beach just after 7 a.m., according to state parks Superintendent Rich Haydon.

Webster was initially approached by a ranger at Avenida Califia about illegal camping, but investigators suspect he was involved in the burglary of a concession stand in the area, Hyadon said.

The suspect is about 5-foot-11 and nearly 150 pounds, with a buzz haircut, brown hair and a “soul patch,” Haydon said.

As a precaution, Concordia Elementary School in the 3100 block of Avenida del Presidente was placed under a “shelter in place” order for about an hour this morning.

Late this morning, the active search was called off, but it was reactivated in the afternoon when there was another sighting, according to Orange County sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Hallock.

Anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts was urged to call (714) 647-7000.

City News Service