Inmates Escapes While On Work Duty

A low risk offender has escaped while on work duty. According to the Yakima County Sheriff's office 24 year old inmate, Terry  Penuel was being held at the Yakima County jail for felony violation or a court order when he escaped. Penuel is described as a white male about 5 t 8 inches tall and weighing about 150 pounds.  He was last seen wearing a green shirt and sweatshirt with the letters “YCJ DOC” on them.
Deputies say Just after 7 am a DOC officer was transporting inmates including Penuel from the Yakima County main jail to the DOC building located at 1500 E Pacific Ave as part of a supervised work crew assigned to work commissary for the day. After arriving the inmates exited the transport van while the DOC officer walked with the inmates from the transport van to the jail door.  They say Penuel ran on foot through an open gate and out onto the street.  He was not wearing restraints as he had been cleared by DOC as a low risk inmate and had not previously been an escape risk.

The DOC officer called for assistance while the other inmates were secured and law enforcement was notified.  Penuel was not located.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office at 574-2500 or 800-572-0490.  Tips including anonymous tips can also be called into Crime Stoppers of Yakima County at 248-9980 or 800-248-9980 or on the internet at yakima.crimestoppersweb.com.