Crime & Safety
Manhunt For Escaped Suspect Ends With Capture In French Valley
At about 12:12 p.m. Tuesday, the suspect was supposed to be booked into the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center but he escaped — temporarily.
FRENCH VALLEY, CA — A search for a suspect who escaped law enforcement custody Tuesday afternoon in French Valley ended with a quick apprehension.
At about 12:12 p.m., the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Kodee Crouser of Quail Valley, was in the process of being booked into Cois M. Byrd Detention Center at 30755 Auld Road. Earlier in the day, Menifee police had arrested him on suspicion of felony vandalism and violation of probation.
Instead, Crouser escaped. A Menifee Police Department transport officer was standing with Crouser in the jail's secured parking lot area awaiting entry for booking.
"Crouser was able to separate himself from the transport officer and flee from the property," according to a statement from the Menifee Police Department.
Amid the search for Crouser, local schools were placed on temporary lockdown and the sheriff’s aviation and K9 units were called to assist with the manhunt, according to sheriff's Lt. Deirdre Vickers.
"A search of the area was conducted, and the suspect was located and taken into custody without incident," Vickers said.
There were no reports of injuries to the public.
In a statement, the Menifee Police Department said it is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the escape.
"Additional charges [against Crouser] related to the escape may be considered as the investigation progresses," according to the statement.
Crouser has a lengthy criminal history in Riverside County, court records show.
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