Prisoner escapes from moving TCSO vehicle

Three law enforcement officers received minor injuries Monday as they tried to capture an escaped High Desert State Prison inmate who was being transported to the Tehama County Jail.

Convict, Joshuwa Raleigh Vinyard, 23, was being transported in handcuffs and leg shackles from Susanville to Red Bluff in a Tehama County Sheriff's vehicle by the two correctional officers, for a hearing in ongoing criminal case concerning charges of resisting an officer and causing great bodily harm.

During the transport, Vinyard tried to escape from his restraints and started kicking the rear door and window of the vehicle. Just west of Dale's Station, Vinyard was able to escape by unlocking the door through a broken rear passenger window. He opened the door and rolled out of the vehicle as it was traveling at 50 mph, said the TCSO.

The correctional officers called for assistance from the California Highway Patrol and TCSO.

Although injured, the escaped prisoner was able to flee into a field, but was captured following a very short foot pursuit, which involved the officers going over a barbwire fence. After Vinyard was caught he continued to violently resist the officers, who were able to eventually get him under control, according to the TCSO.

Vinyard was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released to the TCSO. 

He is currently being held in a security cell at the Tehama County Jail, under new charges of obstruct/resisting an executive officer, and damage jail over $400. Bail on the new charges is $177,550.

Of the officers injured in the capture, none required hospitilization.