Authorities still on lookout for inmate

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 12, 2000

FERRIDAY, La. — Law enforcement agencies are still on the lookout for a inmate who escaped Sunday from the recreational yard at the Concordia Parish Correctional Facility on Louisiana 15. Officials believe Pablo Menendez, a 48-year-old black male, is headed back to his hometown of Lake Charles. Sheriff Randy Maxwell said Menendez is not considered armed or dangerous.

On Friday Menendez, of 308 Louis St. in Lake Charles, reportedly learned that either his sister or daughter had been missing for two weeks. After his escape, Menendez then allegedly stole a farm vehicle from a nearby shed to make his getaway. &uot;Apparently they were very close and he was extremely upset over the news,&uot; Maxwell said. &uot;We’re certain that he’s left the area and headed home.&uot;

Menendez was gone for eight minutes before his escape was discovered by the officer who was on duty in the yard — and as a result, the officer has been fired.

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&uot;We do everything humanly possible to prevent this type of thing from occurring, but sometimes it does. … But we have rectified the situation, and this man will be caught and sentenced,&uot;&160;Maxwell said.

He added that nearby residents were notified just after the escape but that a press release was not immediately issued because Menendez is not considered armed or dangerous.

Menendez had only two months left to serve on his sentence for parole violation for simple burglary. He had reached trustee status at the facility and worked as a tutor. If he is captured, up to 15 years could be added to his sentence.