Brawley, California - Today at approximately 1:30 in the afternoon, a prisoner escaped from custody of Sheriff's Deputies. Robert Montenegro (age 35, from El Centro) was in court for probation violation when remanded to custody by the presiding judge.

While being transported to jail, Montenegro complained of chest pain and taken to Pioneers Hospital for medical treatment.

While at the hospital, Montenegro bolted from a deputy who gave chase but lost sight of Montenegro. A four hour search was conducted by deputies assisted by Brawley PD, El Centro PD and CHP. Although there was a high presence of law enforcement, the key information came from a citizen who saw Montenegro running towards an open field. Sheriff's Deputies quickly responded to the sighting and Montenegro was taken back into custody.