The community is tense as police intensify the search for an escaped murder suspect in Delano

DELANO, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) – DELANO, Calif. – The Delano community is gripped by fear after Cesar Hernandez, a 34-year-old charged with murder, escaped custody and is now at large. The escape occurred Monday morning when Hernandez jumped out of a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation van at the Kern County Superior Court House in Delano.

“It’s kind of disturbing to know he’s still out there,” said one community member. “Well, he was a murderer. I think he was charged with murder, so yeah, it’s kind of scary.”

The escape sparked a massive law enforcement response, with officers patrolling the streets, knocking on doors and talking to neighbors. As the search intensified, helicopters could be heard overhead.

RELATED: Manhunt underway after murder suspect escapes Delano courthouse

Despite repeated requests, the Delano Police Department refused to comment on the situation, referring questions to the CDCR, which reported no new updates.

In response to the manhunt, several schools in Delano were placed on lockdown. “Well, everyone was thinking more about the kids and where they were going and what they were going to do,” another community member said. “I heard they were checking house by house and stopping cars.”

As the search for Hernandez enters its second day, the Delano Unified School District has canceled classes for Tuesday. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about Delano’s tree lighting ceremony, which is scheduled to take place near where Hernandez escaped. A city spokesman confirmed that the event would take place despite the ongoing manhunt.