Defendant runs out of Amador courthouse after judge remands him into custody
JACKSON – A search was underway Thursday evening for a man who ran from his court appearance in Amador County and allegedly stole a truck to get away.
The Amador County Sheriff's Office says the man -- 35-year-old David Lee Salke, Jr. -- was appearing at the Argonaut Lane courthouse Thursday afternoon to face weapons charges when the judge remanded him into custody.
#Breaking Suspect David Lee Salke, Jr, ran from Amador Courthouse after learning he would be taken into custody. He stole a truck, and led deputies on pursuit that was later called off. He is believed to be hiding in Calaveras County creek bed. Wanted for weapons charges. pic.twitter.com/H6aPeZ1221
— stevelarge (@largesteven) April 28, 2023
However, deputies say Salke apparently didn't like that decision and instead ran out of the door. He was able to hop over a barbed wire fence, with deputies saying he also crossed the Argonaut High School campus.
"The interesting part is his acrobatics in getting out of the room after people were chasing him," said Lt. Brandon Cone with the Amador County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say Salke managed to steal a truck -- and hit at least one unmarked car during a deputy pursuit. The chase was eventually called off.
Cone says Salke has a long criminal history in the area.
"He's a subject that we've been dealing with for 18 years," Cone said.
Salke was last seen going into the Calaveras County area on Jesus Maria Road.
"Turn yourself in ... accept what you have coming to you, get yourself a good lawyer, and put this thing to rest before you get hurt or someone else gets hurt and you get held responsible for it," Cone said.
The search for Salke continued into the evening hours, but deputies eventually called off the search since they know where he lives.