Deputies from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, along with Highway Patrol units and air support from Washoe County, are searching the rugged wilderness near Bogard Ranger Station on Highway 44 today after a prisoner being transported through the area by a private extradition fled into the woods about 8:00 Sunday night.
According to Lassen County Undersheriff John Mineau, deputies responded to the scene after a prisoner fled from a transport operated by Prisoner Transportation Services, a private extradition company passing through Lassen County with several prisoners in route to various locations.
The transport vehicle stopped to use the facilities at the Bogard Rest Area, when a prisoner identified by LCSO as Eric Williamson fled on foot into the wooded area adjacent to the rest stop. Williamson was being extradited from Oregon to Arkansas.
Williamson was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black jeans, and black work boots. He was restrained with a ‘waist chain’ and hand cuffs.
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the California Highway Patrol in the search for Williamson. Additionally, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Helicopter provided air support for the search.
The Sheriff’s Office urges citizens and other travelers to exercise extreme caution with any person seen on foot or hitchhiking in the area. If anyone sees Williamson, please call 9-1-1.
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