Convicted Rapist Escapes Southern MN Prison: Sheriff

WATONWAN, MN — Authorities in southern Minnesota have launched a manhunt for a convicted rapist who escaped a county jail on Monday.

On Oct. 30 at about 7 pm., inmate Leonardo Lopez Jr., 36, escaped custody at the Watonwan County Jail, authorities said.

County deputies and the St. James Police Department, Madelia Police Department, and New Ulm Police Department's K-9 unit searched several areas in St. James.

Chief Sheriff's Deputy Mark Slater told the Star Tribune that Lopez fled "as he was being transferred from one area of the jail to another."

"At this time, it is unknown the location of Lopez," the Watonwan County Sheriff's Office said in a statement Tuesday morning.

"The Watonwan County Sheriff's Office will update on this situation as the need arises. All precautions are taking place to ensure the safety of the public. We are asking the public to review any camera footage they may have to see if you saw anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. If you see Lopez or know of his location, please call 911 and report to law enforcement. Do not try to approach or apprehend."

In its own statement released at about 9 p.m. Monday, the St. James Police Department said"If anyone near the Courthouse has surveillance cameras or Ring doorbells, please check the footage for a male escapee dressed in orange from the County Jail. Timeframe would be in the last couple of hours. Call Dispatch at 507-375-3121 with any info."