UPDATE: El Paso and Las Cruces Police confirm the capture of escaped prisoner

UPDATE: EPPD and LCPD have confirmed that the escaped inmate has been caught. ABC-7 is working to get more information.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Las Cruces authorities are warning the public of an escaped prisoner who is said to be armed and dangerous.

Police said Wednesday morning they are looking for Ralph Miera.

According to authorities, an officer at the Dona Ana County Detention Center received information around 12:15 a.m. that Miera escaped from a private security transport company while he was being transferred from Riverside, Calif. to Pueblo, County, Co. During the transfer, police said Miera gained control of one of the officer’s weapons and ordered a guard into the caged area of the van while forcing another officer to drive.

Miera was being transported on a warrant for auto theft, burglary and contempt of court.

They describe him as a Hispanic man, standing five-feet-10-inches tall and weighing 130 lbs. He has brown hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black and white jacket, a red shirt and black and green plaid pants. A photo of Miera shows tattoos on both of his arms, his neck and forehead.

Authorities said Miera may have exited the van in Las Cruces on Main St. between Elks Dr. and the Century 21 Motel.

Miera is reportedly armed, although authorities did not say with what kind of weapon.

Authorities advise the public to call 911 immediately if Miera is seen.