Mugshot: Adrian Hicks

MERCED COUNTY–

Merced authorities have issued county-wide alert to be on the lookout for a suspect that managed to escape from John Latorraca Correctional Facility.

Adrian Hicks, a 39-year-old Merced resident, was arrested back on Dec. 13 and was being held without bail. His charges were possession of stolen property, grand theft and evading a peace officer.

After a headcount around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, Hicks was discovered to be missing. A blanket was found on a fence, with officers saying that Hicks probably made his escape through a hole in a bathroom ceiling.

The county-wide alert is ongoing, as authorities search for Hicks. Anyone with information can call the Merced County Sheriff’s office at (209) 385-7445.