Two inmates escape while on day pass in San Francisco

Two inmates escaped separately in San Francisco while on a day pass Thursday to interview for a spot in a coveted rehabilitation program.

The two were among five inmates brought from the San Joaquin County Jail to the Delancey Street Foundation, on the Embarcadero between the Bay Bridge and the Giants’ ballpark.

The first to disappear was Elijah Ismael Cervantes, 23. He was last seen around 10:45 a.m. He was in custody on charges of carjacking, willful cruelty to a child, battery on person and a petition of revocation to parole, the San Joaquin County sheriff’s office said.

About three hours later, probation staff last saw Stevie Lashawn Wilson, 34. He was in custody on charges of second-degree robbery, carrying a loaded handgun (not the registered owner), felon/addict in possession of firearm, prohibited person owning and/or possessing ammunition.

Jennifer Kline, with the San Joaquin County sheriff’s office, told TV station KOVR that it was unclear how the two managed to escape. The San Francisco Police Department was notified.

The carjacking for which Cervantes was arrested occurred in December in Stockton. He reportedly climbed into a parked car containing a woman and her three children, ages 5 months, 6 and 11. As he tried to drive off with them, the woman’s husband and several bystanders were able to pull the shirtless man from the car and hold him until police arrived. The incident was captured on video.

At the time, Cervantes was on parole after serving time for a robbery.

The Delancey Street Foundation runs a residential program providing vocational training for substance abusers and ex-inmates. The Embarcadero office is also the site of the foundation’s restaurant, Delancey Street, which is staffed by program participants.

The San Joaquin County sheriff’s office asks that anyone with information about the escapes call (209) 468-4400.

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