By C1 Staff
GOLDEN, Colo. — The first inmate to ever escape from the Jefferson County Jail’s maximum security pod had a 30 minute head start ahead of authorities.
The Denver Post reports that Travis Sandlin may be connected with two vehicles reported stolen since his escape.
Sandlin’s escape occurred between 9 and 10 p.m. Sunday during authorized outdoor rec time.
“We used a couple of bloodhounds last night to run some tracks from the location where he pushed through some fencing and we were able to track away from the facility down the street a bit and the tracks stopped,” said Jacki Kelley, a spokeswoman for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Sandlin jumped about 10 feet down after pushing through the facility’s metal mesh fence. Eight other inmates in the rec yard with Sandlin watched him escape but did not follow.
“He had two pretty significant drops,” Kelley said. “He may have a leg injury, a back injury. We also know that the way he pushed through the fencing, he should have some significant rake marks across his back.”
Authorities used a helicopter and bloodhounds and set up a large search perimeter during the overnight hunt. Reverse emergency notifications were sent to everyone within a half-mile of the jail.
Kelley says the facility isn’t announcing all the steps they’re taking to recapture Sandlin in order to not tip their hand.
Sandlin was being held on a long list of offenses including burglary, trespassing, theft, motor vehicle theft and felon in possession of a handgun. He was being held in the jail’s most secure pod because of his alleged drug use and long criminal history.
According to CBS News, Sandlin is a registered sex offender.
All outdoor rec areas have been closed as they investigate possible weaknesses in other areas.
Anyone with tips about Sandlin’s escape is encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 303-271-5612.