Inmate escapes from Mason County litter clean-up crew

Authorities are warning the public about a jail trustee who escaped in Mason County.

Domingo Pablo Mendoza, 49, escaped from a jail road-litter clean-up crew Wednesday around 11:30 a.m., according to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. The crew was working in the 6000 block of Tahuya-Blacksmith Rd.

Mason County inmate was a jail trustee

Mendoza was a jail trustee, meaning an inmate who is entrusted with specific duties within the jail, according to Clermont County, Ohio.

“Factors used to determine trustee eligibility are criminal history, behavior (present and past), and the results of a mandatory physical examination,” the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office inmate orientation handbook states.

Mendoza is described by the Mason County Sheriff’s Office as 5 feet, 4 inches tall, 220 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was wearing an orange “Mason County Jail” T-shirt, blue jeans, and an orange hat.

Mason County deputies, K-9 units, drones, and assisting Kitsap County officers are actively looking for Mendoza in the area.

Authorities advised people not to approach Mendoza. If anyone sees him or notices anything suspicious, they are asked to call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information on Mendoza’s whereabouts or possible help he is receiving is asked to call 911.

The sheriff’s office stated it will release updates as the search continues.

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