Investigators believe escaped inmate may be traveling to Coachella Valley

California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation officials are searching for an escaped inmate who investigators believe may be traveling in the direction of the Coachella Valley.

Nicolas Dunning, 32, was discovered missing from the Konocti Conservation Camp in Lake County on the morning of Dec. 31.

Dunning is a white male, 6 feet, 2 inches tall, weighing 181 pounds. He is bald with green eyes. According to CDCR, he was committed to CDCR in April 2018 with a five-year sentence for assault with a deadly weapon.

Anyone who sees Dunning should contact 911 or law enforcement authorities immediately. Anyone having information about or knowledge of the location of Dunning should contact the CCC Watch Commander at (530) 257-2181, extension 4173.

According to the Associated Press, Dunning was one of 95 minimum-security inmates who help fight wildfires. Lt. Charlene Billings, administrative assistant / public information officer for CDCR, said Dunning is assigned as a firefighter but was not working when he disappeared.

Dunning is the fifth inmate to escape from a California correctional facility this month. Three have been captured.