[06-13-2025] Madera County, CA – Three Children Endangered in Crash During Inmate’s Escape After Failing to Return From Day Pass

Three children were endangered but not seriously injured after a crash involving a wanted inmate who failed to return from a court-approved day pass in Madera County on Friday, June 13, 2025.

According to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, 30-year-old Michael S. was granted temporary release on Wednesday to attend his grandmother’s funeral in Salinas. He was due to return by 7:00 p.m., but never came back. Sanchez had been serving a two-year sentence for domestic violence, criminal threats, and probation violations.

On Friday, around 11:00 a.m., deputies observed Michael S. being picked up near an orchard along Avenue 23 by his girlfriend, 29-year-old Marie P. A short time later, the pair switched seats, and Michael S. began driving. Deputies attempted to intercept the vehicle but chose not to pursue after seeing two children inside.

Michael S. later crashed into another vehicle carrying a woman and two small children at Avenue 7 and Road 23. He fled the scene on foot but was located and taken into custody within 30 minutes with assistance from department aircraft and Fresno County’s Eagle 1 helicopter.

All three children in the suspect’s vehicle were placed in Child Protective Services custody. No serious injuries were reported from the crash.