Escaped San Quentin inmate taken into custody in Paso Robles Taco Bell
SAN QUENTIN, Calif. (KGO) -- An escaped San Quentin inmate has been taken into custody in a Taco Bell in Paso Robles.
San Rafael police confirmed Shalom Mendoza was taken into custody Saturday afternoon.
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Officials reported earlier that Mendoza had been seen at a Dollar Store in San Miguel on Friday around 4:20 p.m. where he purchased dark clothing. The 21-year-old was no longer wearing his prison uniform.
Police across California were on the lookout for the 21-year-old escaped convict. The 2011 silver Toyota RAV4 with California license plate number 6STZ502 he is believed to have carjacked was found abandoned north of Paso Robles on Friday.
Detectives discovered that about 15 minutes after the carjacking occurred, the stolen vehicle passed through the Interstate 80 Bay Bridge Toll Plaza headed toward San Francisco.
VIDEO: Video captures escapee driving through Bay Bridge toll plaza
He was serving a five year sentence for using a deadly weapon during a carjacking in Los Angeles County.
RELATED: Authorities searching for inmate Shalom Mendoza after San Quentin State Prison escape
Prison officials still have not explained how Mendoza escaped, only saying: "Mendoza was assigned to work outside the security perimeter on a work crew, he took advantage of that and walked away."
A source tells ABC7 News that the 21-year-old may have been cleaning a sewage pumping station not far from San Quentin's West Gate.
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A viewer shared video she shot from the area during the arrest.
