Prisoner convicted of murder escapes police custody in California

An incarcerated man convicted of first-degree murder escaped police custody on Monday, according to the California Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.

Cesar Hernandez, 34, was being transported to a courthouse in Delano, California, when he escaped from a van operated by CDCR.

He had been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for murder, according to the Delano Police Department.

Hernandez escaped at approximately 10:40 a.m. local time, according to a community safety alert issued by the DPD.

Hernandez was last seen wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and white thermals, police added.

He is 5-foot-5 and weighs approximately 161 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

The safety alert also warned the Central California community that Hernandez is considered dangerous and not to approach him.

Instead, those who believe they have seen him are urged to "report any suspicious activity or sightings immediately," police said.

DPD is assisting CDCR and other law enforcement agencies in the search for Hernandez.