Mistake Lets Sex Offender Escape From Custody

SAUGUS — A registered sex offender mistakenly assigned to a fire suppression crew by the Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials escaped from custody Monday afternoon after catching a ride with a passing motorist, authorities said.

John Alvarez, 54, was serving a 90-day sentence at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center after he was convicted of being under the influence of a controlled substance and petty theft, said Lt. Michael Payne.

But officials said he had an outstanding warrant and was also a registered sex offender in Arizona. In a statement, the Sheriff’s Department blamed his assignment to a fire suppression crew as a staff oversight.

Alvarez apparently walked away from the crew and was given a ride by a passing motorist, who dropped him off near Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia, Payne said.