February 16, 2023 - The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office reported that on February 14, 2023, at about 3:00 P.M. Calaveras County Deputies, Calaveras County Probation Officers, and members of the United States Marshal Fugitive Task Force were conducting follow-up investigation for escaped inmate Larry Albert McDonald Jr in the 400 Block of Hwy 26, Valley Springs. As they began searching, suspect McDonald fled from a trailer into a wooded area. A perimeter was established to contain the suspect, and air support was requested from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office. A helicopter equipped with thermal imaging was dispatched to assist. Thermal imaging is a method of using infrared radiation and thermal energy to gather information about objects, in order to formulate images of them, even in low visibility environments.

At about 6:27 P.M., the helicopter advised ground units they had located a possible heat signature of the suspect. The helicopter directed ground units as they safely collapsed the perimeter. The suspect attempted to maneuver to evade capture however, the aircraft was able to continually give updates to the deputies. Suspect Larry Albert McDonald Jr was taken into custody at about 7:07 P.M. without incident.

Suspect Larry Albert McDonald Jr was arrested, transported to the county jail, and booked. He was charged with his original charges, 4532 (B) (1) PC escape from jail (no bail) felony, a warrant issued by the San Joaquin Superior Court (3) counts of 288(A) PC lewd or lascivious acts w/child under 14 years (felony) and a second a warrant issued by the San Joaquin Superior Court charging 29800(A)(1) PC prohibited person in possession of a firearm and 245(a)(2) pc assault with firearm on person - aggravated (felony)

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all the allied agencies and information from citizens who assisted in the search for and apprehension of Suspect McDonald.

Source: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office