Wounded Murder Suspect Apprehended After Escaping Medical Center and Prompting Massive Multi-Agency Manhunt
Above: Eric Abril booking photo (All photos courtesy of the Placer County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities in Placer County have announced the arrest of a wanted fugitive who reportedly escaped custody while receiving medical attention at Sutter Roseville Medical Center. The individual, identified as 35-year-old Eric Abril, had sustained injuries after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement in early April, which reportedly also resulted in the death of an elderly man Abril had taken hostage.
Infographic showing the ground law enforcement covered during their search
The initial incident took place on April 6th at Mahaney Park in Rosville when a CHP task force officer who was investigating Abril in relation to an earlier Freeway shooting, broadcast a “shots “fired” call over the police radio. Roseville PD officers were dispatched to assist, and Abril exchanged gunfire with officers, and reportedly took an elderly couple hostage.
One of the hostages, 72-year-old James MacEgan, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His wife, Patricia, remained hospitalized in critical condition. The CHP officer sustained minimal injuries and was reportedly discharged the next morning.
On the morning of July 9th, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office issued a news alert that Abril had escaped his restraints at Sutter Roseville Medical Center where he was recovering and had fled the facility. The Sheriff’s Office has since launched an independent investigation to determine how Abril was able to escape.
Surveillance image of Abril
Over the course of a series of press releases, the Sheriff’s Office announced that it had launched a multi-agency manhunt — which included Roseville PD, Rocklin PD, Folsom PD, Lincoln PD, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, Grass Valley PD, Truckee PD, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, Woodland PD, West Sacramento PD, and even the Department of Fish and Wildlife — and provided updates in real-time.
Law enforcement officials descended on the east Roseville area and conducted a massive search operation, and broadcast a description of Abril to aid in their efforts. Abril was described as a white male standing approximately six feet tall, with brown hair. He was further described as not wearing a shirt and likely wearing orange jail pants. Law enforcement reportedly received as many as 64 tips from the public.
Abril arrest photo
Shortly before 4 AM on Monday, July 10, law enforcement learned that Abril had been seen on surveillance video walking in the area of Rainier Court in Rocklin. By then, the manhunt had come to include the FBI and U.S. Marshals.
Finally, shortly before 12:30 PM on Monday, Abril was found hiding in a green belt on Zion Court in Rocklin, still wearing his belly chains and a pair of boxer shorts. He was taken back into custody and is reportedly set to face charges of murder and attempted murder, among other charges.
