Unknown individuals attempted to break into the Marin County Juvenile Hall early Friday morning but fled before officials could identify them, according to Marin County Sheriff's officials.
The break-in was likely an attempt to free Max Wade, a San Rafael resident who stands accused of in April as well as from a San Francisco dealership last year, Sheriff's Lt. Barry Heying said. Fieri is the co-owner of Johnny Garlic's Restaurant in Dublin
Heying said investigators believe the break-in attempt was an effort to release Wade, who he called the facility's "most high-profile prisoner." A press conference is scheduled today to discuss the incident.
Today is Wade's 18th birthday and he was scheduled to be moved later this morning to county jail, but instead was moved there immediately after the attempted break-in, Heying said.
At approximately 4:35 a.m., the sheriff’s office received reports that a break-in was in progress at the Juvenile Hall facility. An unknown number of suspects were outside the south wall of the housing facility using a sledge hammer to force entry, according to a Sheriff's press release.
The minors housed in the facility were evacuated and staff began an emergency plan to secure the facility. The population of Juvenile Hall was less than 20 children at the time of the attempted break-in.
Deputies and officers from several Marin law enforcement agencies arrived on scene and began a search of the facility and the surrounding neighborhood. That search was called off at 7:15 a.m. with no suspects located.
The suspects did not breach the facility wall, but a window was damaged. The suspects used bolt cutters to cut through two different fences to access to the security perimeter. Bolt cutters and a sledge hammer were left behind when the suspects fled the area, according to the release.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance camera footage and conducting interviews in an attempt to identify those responsible.
Wade was scheduled to be transferred to the county jail on Friday.
Anyone with information concerning this matter is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 415-499-7233. To remain anonymous and possibly become eligible for a cash reward call Bay Area Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
