Fugitive Killer’s Van Escape Raises Questions About CDCR Transportation Protocols in Delano

DELANO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Convicted killer Cesar Hernández remains at large a week after escaping from a moving van on his way to court, sparking fear and disruption around the world. Delano community.

The 34-year-old’s escape led to the closure of schools and the postponement of holiday events, leaving residents of the town of just over 50,000 in suspense. Despite ongoing searches, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has remained silent on how Hernandez managed to escape.

Repeated CDCR surveys on their prisoner transport procedures remained unanswered. However, a review of the department’s operations manual, updated this year, reveals protocols that raise questions about the escape.

The manual specifies that handcuffs must be “double locked and properly applied” and that child locks must be activated to prevent escapes. Surveillance footage circulating online shows a lone officer pursuing Hernandez, despite the manual’s requirement of a minimum of two parole officers during transport.

The manual also authorizes the use of deadly force when “reasonably necessary to prevent an escape.” It is unclear whether these procedures were followed on the day of Hernandez’s escape.

Newly obtained photos show Hernandez clean-shaven, as well as images of his tattoos, which were not initially shared with the public. Officials said they believe Hernandez is no longer in the area, but at this time there are no updates on the investigation.