Jail Raid in Merced

Merced They were looking for two pieces of metal. Authorities say inmates used one of the pieces to cut the cover off a vent in their cell during a failed escape attempt.

Deputies say the sweep is intended to protect both inmates and officers. Deputy Tom MacKenzie: "Any time there's a gang fight or a fight between inmates in the cells for the officers as well as the inmates."

Deputy Tom MacKenzie says the search is still on-going this evening.