Prisoner Antonio Diaz caught after walking away from the community re-entry program in LA, which led to the search for detectives

LOS ANGELES (KABC) – An inmate was arrested Thursday after walking away from a Los Angeles return program, authorities said.

Agents from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation searched for 32-year-old Antonio Diaz, whose disappearance was discovered after 6 p.m. 20 Wednesday, according to a press release. Diaz was arrested without incident Thursday around noon. 19.40 and he was taken to the California Institution for Men in Chino.

“His case will be referred to a district attorney for possible escape charges,” the CDCR said in a press release announcing his arrest.

The penitentiary launched the search “within minutes” of his disappearance and notified local law enforcement agencies, a statement said.

Diaz was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison for assault with a deadly weapon and evasion / attempt to evade a peace officer while driving recklessly, officials said. He arrived at the Male Community Reentry Program in September 2021 and was scheduled for release on May 1st.