SAN JOSE — A violent suspect remains at large after he slipped away from bail agents trying to book him into jail and, still handcuffed, eluded a lengthy police manhunt, according to the San Jose Police Department.

The search continued Thursday for 29-year-old San Jose resident Nghounoi Neang, who had been taken to the Santa Clara County Main Jail on West Hedding Street around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday by agents from an unspecified bail bonds firm.

Neang, who police say also went by David Nghounoi, was brought into a public lobby where the bail agents planned to book him on two felony warrants for burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. This differs from when sworn peace officers book a suspect, which occurs in a secure area.

Police Lt. Rick Weger said when Neang was taken into the lobby, he bolted away and ran back toward Hedding, still handcuffed.

“I have been here 25 years, and this is a new one for me,” Weger said. “I can’t recall (a suspect) escaping so close to the jail.”

The escape sparked a massive search that summoned officers, police dogs, and a SWAT team that canvassed houses and yards for several hours, eventually calling it off around 9 p.m.

Police released two booking photos of Neang to help the public identify him. Among his distinct marks is a tattoo on the right side of his neck.

Anyone with information about the case can contact San Jose police at 408-277-8900 or leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-STOP (7867) or with svcrimestoppers.org.