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Manhunt Underway For Escaped Inmate In Merced County

MERCED (CBS13) – A manhunt is underway for an inmate who escaped from a jail in Merced County Tuesday morning.

Officials at John Latoracca Correctional Facility noticed 32-year-old Zachary William Johnson of Morgan Hill was missing during a morning headcount at 7 a.m. He was last seen in his dorm at 6 a.m.

Jail officials soon discovered a hole had been made in the ceiling above a shower in the dorm building. Officials also discovered a blanket they believe Johnson tossed over the razor wire fence surrounding the jail. They believe Johnson may have been injured during his escape and could have had outside help.

Johnson is described as a Caucasian male, 5-foot-10 inches tall, approximately 180 lbs with blond hair and blue eyes. He has numerous tattoos including "South Side" on his stomach and a trash can on his right arm.

He is in custody for several counts of felony evading, felony hit and run, stalking, narcotics violations and resisting arrest.

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