ELDORA — Residents of an Iowa community were urged to lock their homes and vehicles Monday after a male juvenile escaped from a detention facility, setting off a search involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Authorities issued the public safety alert June 22, 2026, after the juvenile (pictured at top, via authorities) escaped from the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center in Eldora.
The escapee was initially described as a short male with curly hair who was wearing an orange detention jumpsuit. Authorities later provided a more detailed description, identifying him as a Hispanic male standing approximately 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing about 120 pounds, with black hair.
A photograph (at top) of the juvenile was also distributed as authorities asked anyone who spotted him to avoid approaching and immediately call 911.
The escape prompted an intensive search in and around Eldora as officers attempted to locate the teenager. Residents throughout the city and surrounding area were advised to secure their houses, garages and vehicles while the manhunt was underway.
At one point Monday afternoon, authorities said the juvenile had not yet been located and the search continued.
Law enforcement later announced that the escapee had been taken into custody, ending the alert. Officials did not immediately disclose where the juvenile was found, how long he had been at large or whether anyone was injured during the escape or apprehension.
No details were released concerning how the teenager escaped from the secured facility or what allegations originally led to his detention.
The Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center operates a 56-bed facility in Eldora’s industrial park and provides secure detention services for juveniles from participating Iowa counties. The organization began operating in 1993 at a smaller facility on the grounds of the State Training School before moving into its current location.
The escape remained under investigation, and authorities had not announced whether additional charges would be pursued against the juvenile.