SLO County deputies locate escaped Sacramento County inmate at Pirate’s Cove

A heavy law enforcement presence was reported at Pirate’s Cove on Friday afternoon, as San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office deputies searched for an escaped Sacramento County inmate.

Numerous sheriff’s vehicles, as well as CHP and Harbor Patrol, were seen at the Cave Landing Road turnoff to the beach from Avila Beach Drive around 4:15 p.m.

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tony Cipolla said the search was to apprehend an escaped inmate from Sacramento County.

According to Cipolla, the man had escaped by cutting off his ankle bracelet.

Cipolla said a vehicle associated with the man was spotted in the Pirate’s Cove parking lot on Friday, prompting a search of the beach below.

According to emergency scanner traffic, at one point in the search, deputies were following two men who appeared to be attempting to hide among the people on the beach.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter was also called to the scene to aid in the search.

Cipolla said the suspect was taken into custody around 4:30 p.m. without incident.