Drug Dealer Escapes Custody

A convicted narcotics trafficker escaped custody today when he was taken away at gunpoint from two unarmed Terminal Island Correctional Institution guards in downtown San Pedro, where the inmate was being escorted for medical treatment.

Prison spokesman Jack Bean said a gunman jumped out of a black van, leveled a pistol at the guards and held them at bay while the inmate jumped into the vehicle. The gunman ran back to the van and took off at high speed moments later. The inmate was identified as Montes-Cardenas, 24, who is serving a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.