He walked out of jail a free man. Now his family cannot find him.

Oxnard resident Ruben Santos, 40, went missing right after his release from the Ventura County Jail on May 20, leaving his family desperate for answers.

When a loved one gets out of jail, it should be a moment of relief. But for one local family, it was the start of a nightmare.

WHAT HAPPENED

Ruben Santos, a 40-year-old man from Oxnard, has been missing for over a week.

He was last seen walking out of the Ventura County Jail on Wednesday, May 20, around 9:00 AM. Since that moment, no one has seen or heard from him.

His family is very worried about his safety. They quickly filed a missing person report and are asking the public for help to bring him home.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

Ruben Santos is 40 years old and lives in Oxnard.

• He is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds.
• He has hazel eyes.
• He was released from Ventura County Jail on May 20 at 9:00 AM.
• Anyone with information can call his family at 805-843-6342 or contact local police.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

What happens to people the moment they step outside of a jail cell? Often, people are released with no phone, no money, and no ride home.

We need to ask how our local systems track people who need help as they move back into the community.

THE OTHER SIDE

Jail officials generally point out that once an inmate's legal release time comes, they cannot legally hold them any longer. They must let them go, and they cannot force them to accept a ride or stay in touch.

This argument is legally strong, but it leaves a massive safety gap for people who might be confused or alone.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Right now, a family is searching the streets of Ventura County, hoping for any sign of Ruben. They are asking everyone to share his photo and keep an eye out.

If you see Ruben or know where he might be, please call 805-843-6342 or dial 911 right away.