CNN — 

A man convicted of murder escaped from police custody Monday and a search is ongoing, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Cesar M. Hernandez, 34, escaped from a van shortly after being transported to a court appearance at the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano around 10:45 a.m. local time, the corrections department said in a statement.

“Upon arrival, Hernandez evaded staff custody, jumped out of the van, and is currently at large,” the department said.

Hernandez is serving a sentence of 25 years to life for first-degree murder with the possibility of parole, the department said.

The Delano Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are assisting in the search for Hernandez. Community members were urged to “report any suspicious activity or sightings immediately,” according to police.

He stands 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs roughly 161 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, according to the corrections department. He was last seen in an orange prison jumpsuit and white thermals, Delano police stated.

Delano is located around 25 miles north of Bakersfield and 130 miles northwest of Los Angeles.