A Menifee man who escaped police custody while awaiting booking for an earlier arrest was captured following a manhunt a short time later on Tuesday, police said.
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Kodee Crouser, 24, a resident of the Quail Valley community, was arrested at 12:12 p.m. on suspicion of felony vandalism and probation violations, the Menifee Police Department announced in a press release. He was transported to Cois M. Byrd Detention Center on Auld Road in Murrieta for processing.
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While standing in a secured parking lot area of the detention center awaiting entry into the jail, Crouser was able to escape from the transport officer and flee from the property, Menifee PD reported.
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The Sheriff’s Department coordinated a search of the area, according to Sheriff’s Lt. Deirdre Vickers. Aviation and K9 units were involved in the search and schools in the area were temporarily placed on lockdown.
Crouser was located a short time later and taken back into custody. There is no threat to the public related to this incident, officials said.
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Menifee PD is investigating the circumstances surrounding the escape. Additional charges may be considered.
