MERCED – Six prisoners escaped from the downtown county jail in Merced shortly before midnight Saturday, authorities said.

A press release from the Merced County Sheriff’s Office said the escapees were able to gain access to the roof of the facility and used a home made rope to climb down a wall. The release also stated a task force was formed to track down and apprehend the escaped suspects.

The suspects faced charges such as murder and attempted murder, among other charges. The release stated all should be considered armed and dangerous.

Below are the list of escapees along with their charges:

Jorge Barron – 20 years old Hispanic man. Five feet, five inches tall, 140lbs with black hair, brown eyes. He is from Atwater and charged with violation of probation.

Gabriel Francis Coronado – 19 years old Hispanic man. Five feet, ten inches tall, 225lbs with black hair and brown eyes. He is from Atwater and charged with attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, felon in possession of a firearm, and violation of probation.

Manuel Allen Leon – 21 years old Hispanic man. Five feet, ten inches tall, 165lbs with black hair and brown eyes. He is from Vallejo and charged with assault with a firearm, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, evading a peace officer, reckless driving, participation in a criminal street gang, and carrying a loaded firearm.

Andres Nunez Rodriguez Jr. – 21 year old Hispanic man. Five feet, seven inches tall, 145lbs with black hair and brown eyes. He is from Planada and charged with attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, participation in a criminal street gang, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Fabian Cruz Roman – 22 year old Hispanic man. Five feet, six inches tall, 145lbs with black hair and brown eyes. He is from Los Banos and charged with murder.

Edgar Eduardo Ventura – 22 year old Hispanic man. Five feet, eleven inches tall, 129lbs with black hair and brown eyes. He is from Portland, Oregon and charged with participation in a criminal street gang, felon in possession of a firearm, and violation of probation.

Authorities urge anyone who may have knowledge regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to not approach them and call 911 immediately.