SANTA FE, N.M. – The Latest on the investigation into the escape of two New Mexico convicts (all times local):
4:30 p.m.
New Mexico State Police have arrested a fourth woman accused of helping two state convicts who sparked a dayslong manhunt after escaping from a prison transport van.
Police announced Friday that 45-year-old Celeste Salcido of Albuquerque was being booked on charges of harboring or aiding a felon and assisting escape. It wasn't immediately clear if she had a lawyer.
Authorities say Salcido is the partner of Olivia Cruz, the sister of convicted murderer Joseph Cruz, who escaped last week along with fellow convict Lionel Clah.
Olivia Cruz is facing related charges along with two other women who authorities say helped the men.
Investigators have yet to say how the escaped convicts were able to slip by two guards while being transported to a state prison in southern New Mexico.
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1:05 p.m.
Authorities are investigating claims that two prisoners who escaped from a transport van in rural New Mexico got a ride from a passing driver who happened to be a former convict.
Court documents show that one of three women charged with aiding Joseph Cruz and Lionel Clah once they arrived in Albuquerque told authorities that Clah said the pair were walking along the road after the escape when a man drove up to them.
The man supposedly told the convicts that he had served time himself and wanted to help, so he gave them a ride to Albuquerque.
Authorities have yet to say how Clah and Cruz were able to slip by the two transport guards.
Cruz and Clah were apprehended last weekend in Albuquerque after a dayslong manhunt.
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