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Inmate Escapes From Jail In Northwest Indiana

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Police in northwest Indiana were warning people to be on the lookout for an escaped inmate who walked away from the Lake County Jail on Saturday.

The Lake County Sheriff's Department said 22-year-old Richard Campos was working as a jail trustee on laundry detail at about noon Saturday, when he walked away from his work assignment.

Authorities believe it likely was a preplanned escape, and Campos probably had help from his girlfriend, 20-year-old Elysia Mari Jeronimo.

The sheriff's office also said human error might also have led to the escape.

Campos, of East Chicago, is a known Latin Kings gang member. He is 5-foot-3, 135 pounds, with short black hair. He has a tattoo of a rose and diamond on his left hand.

Jeronimo, of Hammond, is 5-foot-1, 140 pounds, the sheriff's office said.

Elysia Jeronimo
(Credit: Lake County Jail)

Anyone with information on their whereabouts should call the Lake County Sheriff's Department at 219-755-3400. Anonymous tips also can be reported at 800-750-2746.

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