Inmate escapes from state prison in Fremont County
The Colorado Department of Corrections is searching for an inmate who escaped from a minimum security state prison near Canon City.
Michael Onorato, 37, was last seen around 2 a.m. Tuesday, wearing a green inmate outfit. He’s a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. Authorities said he has long hair and facial hair, which is a different look from the photo posted below.
Onorato was serving a six-year sentence — for motor vehicle theft, drug abuse and robbery — at the Four Mile Correctional Center just east of the city.
The DOC released few details about the search, calling it an active investigation, but said Onorato had been part of a detail that was milking cows at the prison dairy when he was reported missing from a head count.
Fremont County Undersheriff Megan Richards said the DOC has not asked deputies for assistance, but deputies are ready to help if needed.
Authorities said Onorato should be considered dangerous because he’s an escapee whose intent is unknown and who may be extremely desperate to remain free.
The situation is a reminder of the possibility of an inmate escaping from one of around a dozen prisons in the area, although escapes are rare and escapees are usually found quickly.
“I have my pellet gun and my dog for protection,” said Alfred Hill, who lives near the prison. “I’m on alert, but I’m not overly concerned about it.”
Joseph and Lucy Brown said they consider the area an especially safe one in which to live.
“We have a lot of DOC employees who live here,” Joseph Brown said.
“An escapee would stick out like a sore thumb if he showed his face in town,” said Lucy Brown.
But others find the escape puzzling.
“It’s concerning to me that he was able to escape — not necessarily that he did, but that somehow he got out,” said resident Tom Chudyk.
Authorities ask people to not approach Onorato, and ask that anyone with information on his whereabouts call the fugitive tip line at 866-873-6305, or Fremont County Crimestoppers at 719-275-STOP.
