Lassen County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Arrests of Escaped Inmate and Alleged Accomplice
Above: Recent photos of Atencio (L) and Ward (R) | Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the whereabouts of two people — a jail inmate who recently escaped, and an individual believed to have helped him do so.
File photo of Atencio
The Sheriff’s Office announced in a press release that 35-year-old Angelo Atencio II escaped from the Lassen County jail sometime on or before December 2, 2022. Atencio had been in custody since May 15th on kidnapping, false imprisonment, and other charges.
Investigators say it appeared that Atencio had forced his way though a portion of fencing in the roof area of an exercise yard, and he is believed to have been assisted by accomplices on the outside as well as fellow inmates.
Soon after Atencio’s escape, investigators identified one suspected accomplice as 33-year-old Ashly Ward of Susanville. Ward, who is reportedly Atencio’s girlfriend, was allegedly tasked with picking Atencio up near the jail.
Active arrest warrants have been issued for both individuals.
Atencio is described as standing approximately 5′ 10″ and weighing 230 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was on Kei-Dai Street in Susanville, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Ward is described as standing approximately 5’4″ and weighing about 150 pounds, with black hair — recently dyed red — and brown eyes.
Both are considered armed and dangerous, and are not to be approached. Rather, anyone who spots one or both of them is encouraged to call 9-1-1.
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