Venezuelan Prisoner, Disguised As Woman, Escapes Jail As Security Guards Look On

A Venezuelan criminal recently attempted to escape El Libertador Prison in Tocuyito by disguising himself as a woman. Manuel Lorenzo Ávila Alvarado, a 25-year-old inmate serving time for homicide and aggravated robbery, executed the escape plan during the end of visiting hours on March 13.

According to local newspaper El Carabobeño, the incident occurred around 2:00 in the afternoon. Despite having a dark skin tone, Alvarado managed to deceive several prison guards by dressing up as a blond woman, complete with a wig and female attire.

Security camera footage from the prison captured the inmate masquerading as a woman and fleeing alongside a group of real female visitors after visiting hours concluded. The incident has raised concerns about the guards’ vigilance and loyalty, leading to the interrogation of four guards suspected of aiding in the escape.

Ávila had been recently transferred to Tocuyito prison from another correctional facility in the state. He orchestrated his escape with the help of his girlfriend, who is now wanted as an accomplice. Despite the efforts of the Venezuelan police, the fugitives remain at large.

Interestingly, similar incidents involving male inmates using female disguises to escape prison have been reported in the past. Notably, Gordito Lindo, a native of Paraguay, employed a similar tactic by donning a black wig, makeup, and women’s clothing to walk out of prison through the front door. However, authorities apprehended him within hours of his escape.

Another instance occurred in a Philadelphia correctional centre, where an inmate named Nasir Grant attempted to escape by disguising himself as a woman. Grant was swiftly apprehended by the US Marshal Service, along with the woman who aided in the escape.

Such incidents show the challenges faced by prison authorities in maintaining security and preventing inmates from exploiting vulnerabilities to execute escape plans. As investigations into Ávila’s escape continue, authorities are likely to implement stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.