An escaped Calaveras County inmate has been apprehended, according to a press release by the Sheriff’s Office.
The inmate, identified as Larry Albert McDonald Jr. (41), was arrested on February 14 by Calaveras County deputies and probation officials, with assistance from U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force.
Around 3 PM that day, the officials were conducting a follow-up investigation on the 400 block of Highway 26 in Valley Springs when McDonald reportedly fled from a trailer on the property and ran into the woods. Authorities set up a perimeter to contain him and requested air support from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.
Shortly after 6:30 that night, the helicopter, using thermal imaging, detected a possible heat signature of McDonald and directed authorities on the ground to the precise location. McDonald continued to evade authorities but was ultimately taken into custody without further incident about half an hour later, the Sheriff’s Office said.
McDonald had been in custody on suspicion of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age and firearm charges. He was re-booked on these charges as well as new charges of escape from jail, under which he is not eligible for bail.
