Press Release: Update Regarding Subject Who Was Found Wearing Jail Style Clothing
DATE/TIME: 3/20/2026 at 4:40 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Sheriff’s Office Investigating Incident Involving Individual Wearing Jail-Style Clothing
LOCATION: 1414 Natividad Road, Salinas, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is providing updated information and requesting assistance from the community regarding an individual who left a professional services center located on the Natividad Government Center Campus in Salinas. The individual was later located wearing clothing resembling Monterey County Jail-issued attire.
On March 19, 2026, at approximately 9:45 a.m., Monterey County Dispatch received multiple calls reporting an individual in the area of Calle Cebu and Rossi Streets in Salinas wearing what appeared to be a county jail jumpsuit. Out of an abundance of caution, Monterey County Jail staff were immediately notified of a potential escape. Jail personnel quickly confirmed that all incarcerated individuals were accounted for.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area and, within approximately seven minutes, located and safely detained the individual on East Lake Street.
Further investigation determined the individual had been lawfully released from Monterey County Jail pursuant to court sentencing. Following his release, he was transported to a professional services center per his court sentencing, by jail staff. He was driven to a professional services center on the Natividad Government Center campus. The subject was not at Natividad Medical Center as previously stated. At the time he was transported to the center and when he walked away, the individual was not in law enforcement custody, and there was no legal restriction preventing him from leaving and entering the public.
Investigators determined that prior to his release from jail custody, the individual had been wearing orange jail-issued clothing before changing into civilian attire for his release. The clothing was described as a red and black flannel jacket, dark brown pants, and athletic shoes with green trim. Video surveillance confirms he exited the jail and later exited the professional services center wearing the same civilian clothing. However, when deputies contacted him, he was wearing a red and white striped jumpsuit. The origin of that clothing remains under investigation.
The Sheriff’s 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 individual’s movements or clothing changes is encouraged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office at 831-755-3700.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to reassure the public that the individual did not pose an ongoing threat to community safety following his departure from the center. We appreciate the vigilance of community members who promptly reported the incident.
This matter remains under investigation as we work to determine how the individual came into possession of the clothing and to identify possible procedural measures necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.