Over 200 law enforcement officers across the Sacramento region are engaged in a manhunt Sunday morning after an incarcerated murder suspect escaped from a Roseville hospital where he was taken for medical care.
Authorities are searching for 35-year-old inmate Eric Abril, who escape shortly after 3 a.m. from Sutter Roseville Medical Center. Abril is described as a six-foot tall white male with brown hair, weighing 175 pounds.
According to information from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Abril was reportedly not wearing a shirt and in shackles, but was reportedly not shackled at the waist, he was wearing orange jail pants when he fled the facility though the doors on the north side of the building and was seen heading across a field toward Highway 65 at 3:20 a.m.
Sheriff’s officials gave no details on how Abril escaped or the specific reason he was taken to the hospital for medical care, but are warning the public throughout the community and neighboring communities to “exercise extreme caution” as the search us underway.
Abril was in custody facing murder charges after he allegedly took hostages and shot and killed a 72-year-old man in a Roseville park and shoot and injured a California Highway Patrol officer at Mahany Park in April. The incident resulted in an afternoon of gunfire as a standoff ensued until he was unjured and apprehended. The incident made national headlines.
“We ask the immediate public to exercise extreme caution and to call 911 immediately if Abril is seen,” said the Placer County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to 911, police have set up a hotline for residents to call to report any information or sightings at (916) 409-1257.
Law enforcement has set up a media staging area in the parking lot of Golfland Sunsplash off Taylor Road in Roseville. A heavy police presence is in the area and throughout multiple surrounding areas.
UPDATE 4:05 p.m. Law enforcement personnel from across the region continue the active manhunt for Eric Abril and will continue searching for him throughout the evening and overnight.
“We will utilize every resource we have to locate Abril and take him back into custody. Please remain vigilant and call 911 immediately if you see Abril or any suspicious activity,” reads a statement from the Placer County Sheriff’s Department.
You can also submit a tip by calling (916) 409-1257 or submit a tip online: https://211connectingpoint.org/placer-county-tip-submissions/
According to updates. Abril was last seen on video surveillance walking in the area of Rainier Court in Rocklin at 3:39 a.m., and then northbound a few minutes later on Saddletree Lane.
This is an active incident, we will provide updates as more information develops or is released.
