Felon considered dangerous still at-large after running from sheriff's deputies in Lemon Grove

A 36-year-old felon who escaped while he was being arrested in Lemon Grove by San Diego County Sheriff’s Office deputies last week was still at-large on Thursday, Christmas Day.

Hiram Sanchez, who was wanted on a felony warrant, was observed by deputies in the 7100 block of Broadway Dec. 18 and placed in handcuffs, authorities said.

During the arrest, Sanchez ran from deputies onto state Route 94. Because of the danger to deputies, they did not pursue him on the freeway, authorities said.

A search involving a San Diego Police Department helicopter, California Highway Patrol officers and a sheriff’s K-9 unit was unable to locate Sanchez, authorities said.

The San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force is actively looking for Sanchez, who is considered dangerous and is believed to be somewhere in East County, possibly in El Cajon or La Mesa.

Sanchez was described as a man, about 5 feet, 9 inches tall weighing around 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white hat, black shirt, black athletic pants and white shoes.

Anyone seeing Sanchez is urged to call 911, the San Diego County Crime Stoppers’ anonymous tip line at 888-580-8477 or the Lemon Grove Sheriff’s Substation at 619-337-2000.

Jail records indicate he has two outstanding warrants for his arrest. They include resisting arrest and assault with a deadly weapon other than a gun.

San Diego sheriff’s deputies say Sanchez was heading toward East County either El Cajon or La Mesa. We spoke with La Mesa Police who said they are aware of the Sanchez escape, but he’s not been reported there.

Law enforcement used several resources to find Sanchez. They searched with the county’s helicopter; California Highway Patrol was involved and sheriff’s deputies also used K-9 support. Sanchez, however, remains on the run.