A 24-year-old Quail Valley man was quickly captured after escaping from a Menifee Police Department transport officer while awaiting booking at the Cois M. Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta.
According to the Menifee Police Department, Kodee Crouser was arrested on June 16 for felony vandalism and violation of probation and was being transported to the detention facility for booking.
At approximately 12:12 p.m., a Menifee PD transport officer was standing with Crouser in a secured parking lot area of the detention center while waiting to enter the jail. During that time, Crouser was able to separate himself from the officer and flee from the property.
Menifee Police personnel, along with deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, immediately launched a search of the surrounding area. Crouser was located and taken back into custody a short time later.
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to public safety related to the incident.
The Menifee Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the escape and the events leading up to it. Officials said additional charges related to the escape could be filed as the investigation moves forward.
