LAKEVIEW, Ore. — Authorities are actively searching for 39-year-old Donald Jones, an inmate with the Oregon Department of Corrections, who walked away from a work crew in Lakeview early this morning. The incident occurred at approximately 7:36 a.m., according to a news release issued by the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC).
Jones, described as a white male weighing approximately 275 pounds and standing around 6 feet tall, has blue eyes and brown hair. He had been incarcerated at the Warner Creek Correctional Facility, a minimum-security prison in Lakeview, which houses around 486 inmates nearing their release dates. Jones was serving time for attempting to elude a police vehicle and unauthorized use of a vehicle, charges stemming from an incident in Coos County on June 4, 2024.
The release stated that Jones was last seen wearing blue jeans and institution-issued clothing, which was later found abandoned after his departure. His earliest scheduled release date was July 22, 2025.
Authorities have warned local residents not to approach Jones if they spot him. Instead, they are urged to contact the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888, their local police department’s non-emergency number, or the DOC’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit at 503-569-0734.
The Oregon Department of Corrections is continuing efforts to locate Jones and bring him back into custody. Residents in the area are encouraged to remain vigilant as the search continues.