The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is trying to figure out why a man who had just been released from jail was seen wearing a jail-style jumpsuit in public Thursday in Salinas.
At 9:45 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls reporting a man wearing what appeared to be a county jail jumpsuit in the area of Calle Cebu and Rossi Street in Salinas, which is not far from the Monterey County Jail.
The sightings sparked concerns of the man being a possible escapee. Jail staff were immediately notified but quickly confirmed that all inmates were accounted for.
Further investigation revealed that the man had been lawfully released from the jail, but how he ended up wearing a red and white striped jumpsuit in public after his release is still a mystery.
Before his release, he had been wearing orange clothing issued from the jail and then changed into civilian attire for his release. His civilian clothing was described as a red and black flannel jacket, dark brown pants, and athletic shoes with green trim.
Video surveillance confirms he was wearing civilian clothes when he left the jail. He was then transported to a professional services center at the county Government Center.
When he left the center, he was seen wearing the same civilian clothing and was not in law enforcement custody. He was legally allowed to leave and enter the public.
But when deputies made contact with the man at East Lake Street seven minutes after receiving the calls, the man was wearing a red and white striped jumpsuit. How he got that jumpsuit, the Sheriff’s Office said, is still under investigation.
The office said that the man did not pose an ongoing threat to the community once he was released.
The office is requesting assistance from residents and businesses in the areas of Natividad Road, Sherwood Drive, Calle Cebu, Rossi Street, East Lake Street, and surrounding neighborhoods. Anyone with video surveillance that may show the man’s movements or potential clothing changes is asked to contact the office at (831) 755-3700.