Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez released after mowing down LA sheriff’s recruits

The 22-year-old man, who was arrested for allegedly mowing down dozens of Los Angeles Sheriff’s recruits with his SUV and seriously injuring several, has been released from jail to allow police to collect more evidence.

Nicholas Joseph Gutierrez, charged with the attempted murder of a peace officer, was released at 9:49 p.m. Thursday, according to CNN reports.

LA County Sheriff’s Deputy Deanna Mares told the network that Gutierrez was fired because investigators needed more time to gather evidence for prosecutors.

“It’s not like they arrested the wrong suspect,” Mares told CNN. “They just want to make sure the investigation is completed.”

The sheriff’s department is typically required to present a case to prosecutors within 48 hours of an arrest, and investigators were unwilling to do that with Gutierrez, she explained.

According to the LA Times, his initial arrest was counted as a detention. The records reportedly cited a California penal code that authorizes police to release individuals without charge if they do not have sufficient grounds to file a criminal complaint.

At least 25 recruits were injured in Wednesday’s horrific incident – five critically.

Some also lost limbs, according to the sheriff.