Los Angeles authorities are searching for Dijon Barber, a convicted robber who escaped from a reentry program by removing his GPS device and vanishing over the weekend.
At a Glance
- Dijon Barber escaped from LA reentry program
- Removed GPS tracker, triggering manhunt
- Serving time for robbery and elder theft
- Officials warn of legal consequences
- Public urged to report sightings to 911
Inmate Walks Away From LA Facility
A convicted robber is on the run after escaping from the Los Angeles Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP). According to ABC 7 News, 32-year-old Dijon Barber cut off his court-mandated GPS tracking bracelet, prompting an emergency headcount that confirmed his disappearance. Barber was last seen wearing a black and brown hooded sweater, black sweatpants, and sandals.
Barber had been transferred to the facility in March 2024 to serve the remainder of a four-year sentence for first-degree robbery, grand theft person, and theft from an elder or dependent adult. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) notes that the MCRP is intended for inmates nearing release, helping them transition back into society through a less restrictive environment.
Watch Fox 11’s report on the escape at Prisoner escapes LA County reentry facility, still loose.
Public Asked to Assist Search
The CDCR’s Office of Correctional Safety has launched an active search alongside local law enforcement agencies. Officials emphasized community involvement, urging anyone with information to call 911 or contact Special Agent Rene Ramos at 909-322-8197. According to DNYUZ, the circumstances of the escape remain under review.
Historical data indicates high recapture rates—around 99% of escapees from California reentry programs have been apprehended since 1977. Authorities remain hopeful that Barber will be located and returned to custody without incident.
Legal Fallout Likely
While Barber’s escape remains ongoing, CDCR has confirmed that the incident will be referred to prosecutors. As noted by Fox LA, “Gutierrez’s case will be referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for possible escape charges”—a process that is likely to mirror Barber’s own legal future if caught.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between rehabilitation and public safety within transitional corrections programs. Although the MCRP has proven effective for many, episodes like this one reignite debate over how best to monitor inmates in semi-open environments.
As authorities intensify their search, the public’s vigilance could prove critical in safely resolving the case.
