LOWER LAKE, CA – Authorities apprehended today a minimum-security inmate who walked away from Konocti Conservation Camp in Lake County on Dec. 31.
Inmate Nicolas Dunning was taken into custody without incident at around 1:15 a.m. during a traffic stop in Coachella. The arrest was made by officers from the Riverside County Gang Impact Team based on investigative leads. Dunning is being transported to Calipatria State Prison, and his case will be referred to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of escape charges.
Several law enforcement agencies assisted CDCR during the investigation, including the Imperial County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, Anaheim Police Department, Cathedral City Police Department, and Palm Springs Police Department.
Dunning was discovered missing at 7:40 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 31. A search of the camp buildings and grounds was immediately conducted. He was committed to CDCR from Imperial County in April 2018 with a five-year sentence for assault with a deadly weapon.
Since 1977, 99 percent of all offenders who have left an adult institution, camp or community-based program without permission have been apprehended.
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Contact: Lt. Charlene Billings, (530) 257-2181 ext. 4110