Caldwell, ID — An inmate at the Canyon County Jail attempted to escape around 9:30 am on March 29, according to the Canyon County Sheriff's Office.
Elizabeth J. Esparza, 32, of Caldwell was being escorted by Canyon County Deputies from the Canyon County Courthouse back to the all-female POD 6 at the Canyon County Jail when she fled from deputies.
Esparza is a documented gang member with a violent history. She was being held on felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, aggravated assault, and destruction of evidence as well as misdemeanor charges including false imprisonment, resisting and obstruction of officers.
Canyon County Sheriff's Dispatch was able to contact Canyon Springs Alternative School which temporarily went into lockdown until police were able to take Esparza back into custody.
Canyon County Sheriff's office with the assistance of the Caldwell Police Department located Esparza a few minutes later hiding a few blocks northwest of the jail where they were able to take her back into custody.
“Fortunately, we were able to recapture this violent offender right away thanks to the swift action of our deputies and the Caldwell Police Department,” said Sheriff Kieran Donahue. “Their combined efforts helped prevent a bad situation from becoming worse. I am glad our dispatch center was able to immediately contact the nearby school who initiated lockdown procedures until the situation was under control. However, these types of situations highlight the need for Canyon County legislators, or legislators from anywhere in our State, to face the reality of the situation and enact legislation that will address the funding mechanism to build jails in our State without burdening the property owner.”
“Today’s attempted escape underscores the safety concerns and limitations posed by our current jail facility,” said CCSO Jail Commander Captain Bill Patchett. “Because we have to use multiple jail facilities to house inmates, deputies are required to escort inmates to court multiple times a day, which only increases the chances of these types of incidents. It is time to put an end to the stop-gap measures the County has relied on for jail space and finally build a safe and secure jail facility that meets the needs of our community and ensures public safety.”
Esparza will be arraigned at the Canyon County Courthouse on March 30, on new felony escape charges.
