A sexually violent predator cut free from court-ordered GPS monitoring at 3:30 a.m., triggering a countywide manhunt and public safety warnings in San Diego.
Story Highlights
- Sheriff’s Office says the GPS device went into “Tamper Mode” while the offender was at work.
- Supervising contractor staff found the GPS removed and the offender gone from the site.
- Officials urged the public not to approach and to call 911 if he is seen.
- The search centers on Rancho Bernardo, including an Amazon processing facility.
What Authorities Say Happened At The Worksite
San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials reported that at about 3:30 a.m. on September 25, a court‑supervised offender’s tracking device sent a “Tamper Mode” alert while he was working in Rancho Bernardo. The wanted notice identifies him as Merle Wakefield, a 69‑year‑old designated sexually violent predator, and states he is wanted for violating the terms of his conditional release. The agency posted a public warning and a photo, and asked residents to call 911 if they see him, and to not approach him.
News reports that cite the Sheriff’s Office say Liberty Healthcare, the state contractor that supervises conditional releases, responded to the alert location. Staff found that Wakefield’s GPS device had been removed and that he was no longer at the worksite. Local outlets also reported that the alert and discovery occurred while he was working at an Amazon processing facility in Rancho Bernardo, narrowing the last known location and time window for the search.
Supervision, Public Warnings, And The Search Area
The Sheriff’s Office stated that Wakefield is supervised by Liberty Healthcare under California’s Conditional Release Program. The county’s public messages repeated clear instructions: do not contact him, and call local law enforcement or 911 with any sightings. Officials have focused alerts on neighborhoods around Rancho Bernardo and nearby corridors, where deputies, detectives, and partner agencies have shared images and updates to speed tips from the public and protect families and workers in the area.
One report, citing a law enforcement source, said Wakefield discarded a cell phone in bushes and left in a 2018 white Toyota Camry, a detail that, if confirmed, could widen the search zone beyond Rancho Bernardo. Authorities have not publicly released license plate information tied to that vehicle. The Sheriff’s Office continues to list Wakefield as wanted and emphasizes the violation relates to his conditional release terms, not a new conviction or sentence at this stage.
Why This Case Hits Home For Public Safety And Accountability
Public safety is the first concern when any high‑risk offender slips supervision. Families, seniors, and small businesses deserve fast, accurate alerts and a strong law‑and‑order response. The Sheriff’s Office says the GPS alert and the on‑scene discovery show a clear breach of conditions, which triggered the manhunt and public warnings. That swift notice helps neighbors make smart choices, such as calling 911 with tips and avoiding any direct contact that could put them at risk.
Early this morning in Rancho Bernardo, sexually violent predator Merle Wakefield took off his GPS monitor and walked away. His ankle monitor went into "tamper mode" at 3:30 a.m. By the time the state's contractor got there, he was gone.
That's how easy it was.
Wakefield was… pic.twitter.com/pbaiZRFZUv
— Supervisor Jim Desmond (@jim_desmond) September 25, 2026
Electronic monitoring can help track location and enforce limits. But when a device signals “tamper,” it is because the strap was cut, removed, or otherwise interfered with, according to government summaries of monitoring systems. Those systems exist to keep communities safe and hold offenders accountable in the community. When the alert goes off and the device is found removed, as described in this case, it points to an urgent enforcement need to restore custody and protect the public.
What We Know About The Offender’s Status And Next Steps
County postings say Wakefield is wanted for violating his conditional release, and the Sheriff’s Office has shared his photo and identifying details to the public. Deputies have asked anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Department or call 911 right away. The focus is getting him back into custody without endangering the public. That means clear communication, fast processing of tips, and coordination across city and county lines until he is found.
Officials and local outlets have highlighted the exact time of the alert and the location at the Rancho Bernardo worksite to help jog memories and draw leads. Those details make it easier for nearby workers, drivers, and homeowners to report what they saw around that early morning hour. A precise timeline and area map can turn a single camera clip or license reading into the break that brings this search to an end and restores calm for the community.
The Bigger Picture: Community Safety Requires Firm Enforcement
Every parent and grandparent wants confidence that court‑ordered rules mean something on the street. When monitoring fails or is defeated, enforcement must be immediate and visible. In this case, the Sheriff’s Office has made the violation plain and the public guidance simple: do not engage, call 911, and let trained officers handle the risk. That approach protects families while it backs the rule of law and the promise that violent offenders will be watched and brought in when they break the rules.
Sources:
timesofsandiego.com, fox5sandiego.com, forth.news, nbcsandiego.com
