Full Notification

On Tuesday, May 28th, just before 2 AM, inmate Daniel Lopez Zavala was able to traverse an eight-foot fence with barbwire and escape. He was last seen running northeast away from the San Benito County Jail. Jail staff saw him jumping the fence, called dispatch, and three Sheriff’s Office deputies from patrol were at the jail within 1 minute and immediately tried to set up a perimeter. The deputies called in for additional officers for the perimeter, and the Hollister Police Department arrived within a minute to assist with the perimeter and conducted a preliminary search of the area. Two SBCSO K9s were on the scene, and one additional CHP K9 conducted a more thorough search utilizing scent tracking. A Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office drone operator arrived and assisted with the search as well. At approximately 3:30 AM, The K9 teams picked up on Mr. Zavala’s scent, and his discarded pants were located in an open field. The K9s tracked the smell to the 1800 block of Airway Drive. Where they lost the scent, and we believe he may have been picked up in a car. They are beginning to wrap up the search of the area with the assistance of CHP Hollister–Gilroy, the Coastguard Air Unit, CAL Fire drone operators and CAL Fire law enforcement personnel, and the Hollister Police Department. Monterey County SWAT assisted and conducted additional searches at the airport and surrounding areas. We are still actively searching for Mr. Zavala, and we will continue to utilize all leads and technology to track and apprehend him and anyone who is assisting him. We do not believe there is a specific threat to the public; however, due to his extensive criminal history (listed below) we are extremely motivated and determined to get him into custody quickly. Anyone who sees him should use extreme caution. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 831-636-4080. Additionally, people can text TIP SBCSO to 888777. Current charges: 273A(B) PC- child cruelty (misdemeanor) 3455 PC – Parole Violation (felony) 11377(A) HS – Possession of a controlled substance (misdemeanor -suspected methamphetamine). 11364(A) HS – Possession of drug paraphernalia X2 381B PC – Possession Nitrous Oxide (misdemeanor) 148(A)(1) PC- Obstruction of justice X3 (misdemeanor) 29800(A)(1) PC- Felon in possession of a firearm (felony) 33215 PC – Manufacturing short barrel rifle (felony) 30305(A)(1) PC – Prohibited ammunition Prior charges: 246 PC – Shooting into an inhabited dwelling 245(A)(2) PC- Gang-related assault with firearm 245(A)(1) PC – Assault with deadly weapon likely to cause great bodily injury 496(A) PC – receiving/possessing stolen property 4501 PC – Assault by prisoner X3 4502(A) PC -prisoner in possession of a weapon X2 3056 PC- Parole violation 29800(A)(1) PC – felon in possession of a firearm 30305(A)(1) PC – prohibited ammunition 25850(A)(1) PC -carrying a loaded firearm 182 (A)(1) PC – conspiracy 273.5 PC – domestic violence 243(D) PC Battery with serious bodily injury Amongst other similar charges dating back beyond 2002.