BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- When he testified in July, Colonia Bakers gang member Francisco Garcia claimed he fired shots in self-defense when he wounded two men on Kentucky Street in 2021.

Jurors found differently, convicting him of charges including two counts of attempted murder and leaving him facing up to 80 years to life in prison at his sentencing next week.

On Saturday, Garcia made a break for freedom.

The 23-year-old sprinted from Kern Medical around 11 p.m., easily outrunning a pursuing deputy as he headed east. He was still at large as of Monday afternoon.

Sheriff's officials say he was brought to the hospital for an appointment, but have remained tight-lipped on how he managed to escape.

Kentucky Street shooting

Garcia and four others -- Ulices Alonso, Eric Faria, Uriel

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