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Otero County Inmate Escapes While in Transport, Quickly Captured by Law Enforcement


Description: On July 28, 2025, inmate Naomi Rivas briefly escaped custody outside the Otero County Detention Center while still fully restrained. She fled on foot but was swiftly apprehended by the Otero County Sheriff’s Office and La Junta Police Department at a La Junta residence less than 30 minutes later. Pending charges include escape, theft, and trespassing. Authorities commend the rapid response and emphasize their ongoing commitment to public safety. The Otero County Sheriff's Office Released the Following Arrest Report on Monday, July 28, 2025...

Otero County Inmate Escapes While in Transport, Quickly Captured by Law Enforcement
 
On the morning of July 28, 2025, an inmate escaped from custody outside the Otero County Detention Center but was quickly apprehended thanks to the coordinated efforts of law enforcement.
 
At approximately 8:50 a.m., a transport officer arrived at the detention center with two inmates following a court appearance. As one inmate was being secured inside the facility, the second inmate, identified as Naomi Rivas, fled from the transport vehicle while still in full restraints, including handcuffs, a black box, belly chain, and leg restraints.
 
Rivas ran west through the parking lot of the Otero County Sheriff’s Office and turned south on Cimarron Avenue. Despite loud verbal commands to stop, she continued fleeing on foot. Due to the safety concern of the remaining inmate, the transport officer could not pursue and instead secured the other individual before immediately notifying dispatch of the escape.
 
A search was initiated, and at approximately 9:19 a.m., Rivas was located and arrested without further incident by a deputy from the Otero County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the La Junta Police Department at a residence located in the 200 Block of Bellview Avenue.
 
Charges pending against Rivas include:
 
  • Escape – CRS § 18-8-208: Petty Offense
  • Theft – CRS § 18-4-401(2)(b):  Petty offense
  • Third Degree Criminal Trespass (Non-Agricultural Land) – CRS § 18-4-504: Petty offense
The Otero County Sheriff's Office commends the swift actions of all involved agencies and reminds the public that ensuring community safety remains our top priority.
 
All Parties Considered Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law.