La Junta, Colorado – A daring prison escape unfolded in La Junta, Colorado, as an inmate managed to overpower two officers, flee a hospital, and steal a neighbor’s minivan, all while handcuffed. The inmate, identified as Ronald Caillier, 38, made his bold break for freedom from inside the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center emergency room late Friday night, according to the Bent County Sheriff’s Office.
Caillier took advantage of an opportunity to escape by overpowering a deputy and a security officer before slipping away into the darkness. While on the run through the La Junta neighborhood, he carjacked a white 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan that had been left unlocked with the keys inside, along with a 9 mm handgun beneath the driver’s seat.
Authorities have issued a warning that Caillier should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. The deputy and security guard involved in the escape were both treated for their injuries and have since been released. When he was last seen, Caillier was described as wearing black and white striped pants and an orange t-shirt, with his hands cuffed in front of his body.
Caillier, who was being held on burglary and assault charges, managed to evade capture and remains at large. The stolen minivan he is believed to be driving reportedly has damage to the passenger side door and a cracked rear-view window on the passenger side.
Law enforcement agencies are currently working diligently to locate the escaped inmate and ensure the safety of the community. Anyone with information on Caillier’s whereabouts is urged to contact local authorities immediately.