$25,000 REWARD OFFERED IN SEARCH FOR INMATES

PALO ALTO >> A $25,000 reward is being offered in the search for two Santa Clara County jail inmates who fled custody Monday in a well-planned escape that involved multiple getaway vehicles and accomplices, officials announced Wednesday.

An intensive search continues for 46-year- old Tramel McClough and 47-yearold John Bivins, who reportedly used a smuggled key to get out of their restraints and then eluded deputies at the Palo Alto courthouse. Their whereabouts remain unknown and they may have left the state, authorities said.

Wednesday, Sheriff Laurie Smith approved the $25,000 reward offer for anyone who provides information leading to the fugitives’ capture.

McClough and Bivins, both East Palo Alto residents, were in court for a hearing on charges involving the armed robbery of a Verizon store in Sunnyvale back in February.

The pair escaped around 9:30 a.m. Monday while being escorted by a Sheriff’s deputy from a holding cell to a courtroom. McClough was in waist chains and leg irons, and Bivins was chained to other inmates, but both managed to get out of the restraints. A handcuff key was found along their escape path.

They reportedly left the courthouse through a side exit that leads to Birch Street, where a black late-1980s model Toyota Camry — initially described as a Corolla — was waiting for them.

The Camry traveled about three blocks, at which point the inmates got into a U-Haul cargo van and drove off to an unknown location. Investigators reviewed surveillance video from the area for leads into where they might have gone.

McClough is a potential three-striker facing life in prison on suspicion of robbery with a gun and was charged with nine felonies, according to court records. Bivins was facing a doubledigit-year prison sentence; he had eight charges, seven of which are felonies, including hit-and-run.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office arrested two people suspected of helping McClough and Bivins escape. Marquita Kirk, 44, of Sunnyvale, was booked on suspicion of conspiracy and accessory after the fact after investigators alleged she rented the U-Haul van and parked it in the vicinity of the courthouse, authorities said.

A source familiar with the investigation said Rene Hunt, 54, of East Palo Alto, was arrested after investigators say he helped arranged for the Camry, the initial getaway vehicle, to be parked outside the courthouse.

McClough and Bivins are considered dangerous, and authorities urge anyone who spots them to call 911, and not approach them. Tipsters can also contact Sheriff’s investigators at 408-808- 4500 or make an anonymous call to 408-808- 4431.