Public Help Sought In Finding Escaped Weld County Felony Suspect

Weld County authorities are asking the public to be on the lookout for a suspected car thief who escaped earlier this week.

That's according to a post on the Weld County Sheriff's Office Facebook page. The post says Luis Fernando Cerda-Regaldo [above photo] was in the custody of the sheriff's office, getting medically cleared prior to being booked into the Weld County Jail on Wednesday when he escaped on foot at around 7:30 p.m. Cerda-Regaldo had been arrested earlier in the day on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, obstruction, and attempt to influence law enforcement.

Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams, on his Facebook page, said of the escape ''I’m embarrassed to share this release but we could use the public’s help. A lapse in judgment by one of my deputies allowed this criminal to get back on the street.''

Cerda-Regaldo is described as standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. At the time of his escape, he had a short beard and was wearing a white t-shirt, dark-colored pants, and white shoes with a blue stripe.

Anyone with information on Cerda-Regaldo is being asked to call the sheriff's office (970) 350-9600. Tips can also be submitted through Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers.