5 escape from Cayo lockup; one returns

On Thursday, News Five brought you the story of accused San Ignacio burglar eighteen year old Victor Castellanos following his latest break-in at the Santa Elena primary school snack shop. Among the stolen items police also discovered a small bottle of oil and a written prayer that Castellanos told the cops he uses to protect him when committing his crimes.

Well today we are not sure if Castellanos used those spiritual connections to gain his freedom but while incarcerated at the police station over the weekend he and a number of other inmates managed to break out of the holding cell and tonight remain on the run. According to police, Castellanos and four other prisoners: seventeen year old Darren Lanza, fourteen year olds Christian Neal and Jose Guzman and thirteen year old Jodine Vidal, had been ordered to Hattieville Prison on burglary charges. They were not transported there, however, because they were awaiting a hearing on drug trafficking charges after they were found in possession of eleven ounces of marijuana.

Investigations reveal that around seven on Saturday night, the prisoners escaped by breaking away a wooden beam to get into the attic. Police believe the men were able to hoist themselves into the opening by climbing on each other’s shoulders. Once inside the attic they were able to push open the zinc roof and jump down into the back of the compound. Once outside, the prisoners swam across the nearby Macal River to Santa Elena.

Today however, the law enforcement officers did not have to go far as Lanza’s own mother turned him in to the police. As for the other four fugitives, tonight authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in rounding them up. If you know the whereabouts of Victor Castellanos, Christian Neal, Jose Guzman and Jodine Vidal please call the nearest police station.