SAUGUACHE — An escaped prisoner from the Saguache County Jail was apprehended around 11 p.m. on July 5 without incident on U.S. Highway 285, according to the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office. It was unclear how he had escaped from the jail earlier that night.

At 8:06 p.m. on July 5, Omar Prieto, 21, of Center, escaped from the Saguache County Jail from Cell 1. He was in custody for prior warrant arrests.

The Saguache County Sheriff’s Office immediately upon discovery of the escape requested help from adjacent law enforcement agencies in the San Luis Valley to find the escaped prisoner. All agencies in the area assisted in searching for the inmate.

At around 11 p.m. that night, the escaped prisoner was located on U.S. Highway 285 and was taken into custody by the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office.

It is believed that Prieto was attempting to flee to Monte Vista. There were no injuries, and no other crimes were committed after the escape.

The Saguache County jail is the oldest jail in Colorado and recently the Saguache County Commissioners discussed a location for a new jail facility for the county, provided voters approve the measure.

Originally built as a home for the Sheriff, the jail was built in 1957 and includes the jail facility, Sheriff’s office administration, road patrol deputy offices and Saguache County dispatch in a small building next to the Courthouse.

According to Capt. Ken Wilson of the Saguache Sheriff’s Office, “there is no other information regarding the details of the escape at this time, as the investigation is currently ongoing.” More information will be released as it becomes available.