Deputies Pick Up Loose Inmate

A man who didn’t return to County Jail after a medical appointment was found in Carpinteria Wednesday night, more than a day after he went missing.

Judge Clifford Anderson signed a court order allowing Richard Draeger, 55, to leave jail with a friend for a medical appointment. Draeger signed an escape clause prior to leaving. But authorities were notified by Draeger’s friend at noon that the inmate — who is in jail for failure to appear in court on previous drunk driving charges — had not gone to his appointment and had ditched his friend.

An arrest warrant for violating the court order was issued and Sheriff’s deputies tracked Draeger to the 5500 block of Carpinteria Avenue around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, and he was taken back to jail.

Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Drew Sugars said such orders allowing inmates to leave are rare at the jail. They happen about two to four times a month, he said

Draeger is being held without bail. His next court appearance is October 27.