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La Junta Schools Remain On Lockdown During Escapee Search

LA JUNTA, Colo. (AP/CBS4) - Several La Junta schools will remain on lockdown Thursday while authorities continue to search for an inmate who escaped from the Otero County Jail after overpowering guards.

Angel Castrejon,  Johnny Nunez, Curtis Apodaca, Malcom Hoffert
Angel Castrejon, Johnny Nunez, Curtis Apodaca, Malcom Hoffert (credit: Otero County Sheriff)

Otero County authorities identified the man still at large as 23-year-old Angel Castrejon, who was facing drug charges and had escaped before from the same jail.

The Department of Corrections and National Guard called off their searches Thursday morning but there is still an active search among other law enforcement.

Those back in custody were identified as 21-year-old Curtis Apodaca, suspected of motor theft; 22-year-old Malcolm Hoffert, suspected of motor vehicle theft; and 30-year-old Johnny Nunez, suspected of burglary and forgery. All four had been awaiting court appearances.

The Otero County Sheriff's Office says two of the men rushed an officer at the 34-bed jail Tuesday night and then let the two others out of another cell, overpowered another officer and fled. The deputies suffered minor injuries.

RELATED: 3 Of 4 Inmates Who Escaped Otero County Jail Captured

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