Army officials at Fort Irwin National Training Center are searching for a soldier who went missing late last week. 

According to a press release issued Sunday by the Army base’s public affairs office, U.S. Army PFC Alejandro Espinola of the 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment failed to report for duty on Thursday and was subsequently reported missing.

Espinola, 26, is said to be 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 164 pounds.  He is a native of Los Angeles, one of his friends told KTLA. 

He drives a dark gray 2018 Hyundai Elantra with temporary tags, the friend added. 

Authorities at Fort Irwin, which is located in San Bernardino County northeast of Barstow, are using “all available means” in their search for Espinola. 

“The health and safety of our soldier is our number one concern,” Col. Kevin T. Black, 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment Commander said.  “The chain of command is actively communicating with PFC Espinola’s family to keep them informed of ongoing search efforts.” 

Anyone with any information regarding Espinola’s whereabouts is asked to call local their law enforcement agency or contact Fort Irwin’s Criminal Investigation Division by calling 760-442-9316. 

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy is facing nearly four years in prison after being accused of assaulting an inmate at a downtown Los Angeles courthouse more than two years ago, officials announced late last week. 

The incident, according to a news release from the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office, occurred on Jan. 20, 2022, at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. 

Prosecutors allege that 43-year-old Deputy Maria Torres, who was working in the court lock-up, encountered an inmate that refused to leave his cell.  

“Torres allegedly unlawfully sprayed the inmate through a gap in the cell door and then falsified a report about her use of force,” the release stated.  

The 43-year-old has been charged with a felony count of assault by a public officer and felony count of filing a false report by a police officer.  

“The alleged actions of Deputy Maria Torres are not only contrary to the values and principles that we uphold in law enforcement, but they also represent a significant breach of trust within our community,” District Attorney Gascón said. “The victim deserved to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.” 

If convicted as charged, Torres could be sentenced to a maximum of three years and eight months in state prison to be served in local custody.  

The investigation into the allegations was being handled by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department’s Internal Criminal Investigation Bureau.  

A wildfire that erupted Sunday in Riverside County has reportedly burned three, possibly four homes and prompted officials to order evacuations, authorities confirmed to KTLA.  

The ‘Hawarden Fire’ started at approximately 1:30 p.m. in the 6500 block of Hawarden Drive in Riverside and quickly spread to 492 acres and is 0% contained, according to Cal Fire.  

In video of a portion of the blaze obtained by KTLA, crews can be seen attempting to douse flames as they gulf a number of different structures. A police officer is also seen carrying a dog out of a structure that was either threatened by fire.

Evacuations, which were being handled by the Riverside Police Department, were in place for the following areas: 

• Eagle Crest Court and Chartwell Drive 

• Horace Street and Hawarden Drive 

• Golden Hills area 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. So far, no injuries have been reported.  

About 17 miles away, another blaze, the ‘Eagle Fire’ near Corona has also triggered evacuations. It was located in the area of Eagle Canyon Road and Cajalco Road, which connects Corona to Lake Mathews. 

As of the most recent update, that wildfire had burned 321 acres and was at 0% containment.  

This is a developing story. Stay with KTLA for additional details.