Convict escapes, leaves bride at altar

Authorities are searching for a convicted burglar who escaped jail Wednesday. A jilted bride is apparently looking for him, too.

Manuel Victor Guzman, 29, was granted a four-hour pass from Merced County Jail on Wednesday so he could get married. When he didn't return, authorities called his bride-to-be.

"She said he didn't show up for the wedding," sheriff's spokesman Tom MacKenzie said. "She has no idea where he is."

Sheriff's officials are treating Guzman's failure to return to jail as an escape.

He was in custody for burglary. He'll be charged with escaping if he's re-arrested, MacKenzie said.

Anyone with information on Guzman should call the Merced County Sheriff's Department at (209) 385-7444.

-- Corinne Reilly