Search Intensifies for Inmate Who Escaped Louisiana Jail Again
Search Intensifies for Escaped Louisiana Inmate
The Tangipahoa Parish Jail, already notorious for jailbreaks, faces scrutiny once more as 22-year-old Tra’Von Johnson has managed another escape. He slipped through the facility Thursday night, repeating a feat from nearly a year prior. This latest escape adds to the jail’s history of jailbreaks, having seen multiple escapes in recent years.
Johnson, who was awaiting trial for his alleged involvement in a home invasion that resulted in the death of one man and injury to a child, has triggered a major search operation. Suspicion arose when a concerned citizen contacted the sheriff’s office around 10 p.m., inquiring about Johnson’s status in custody.
Sheriff Gerald Sticker provided details during a Friday briefing. An incident at one of the dorms involved inmates flooding a cell, which diverted attention as cleaning crews were brought in. Johnson and another inmate, Trevon Wallace, exploited the distraction by opening the back door leading into the yard. Wallace was quickly apprehended and returned inside.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that after reviewing Johnson’s movements and conducting a head count, it was clear that he escaped around 4:30 p.m., with assistance from another inmate who helped him over the perimeter fence. The incident has led to four staff members being placed on administrative leave pending further review.
Authorities are now intensifying efforts to locate Johnson, reaching out to his victims, relatives, and known associates. This is not his first evasion; back in May 2024, Johnson was part of a group that escaped from the jail during Memorial Day weekend. They breached the perimeter fence during recreation time and were eventually found hiding behind a Dollar General store.
The repeated escapes have highlighted issues such as manpower shortages, inadequate staff training, and insufficient supervision at the jail. These factors were cited as contributing to last year’s jailbreak, underscoring systemic challenges faced by the facility located about 75 miles northwest of New Orleans.
Johnson’s escape coincides with another significant breach at the Orleans Parish Justice Center on May 16. Authorities are still searching for five out of ten inmates who escaped from the jail. Surveillance footage captured part of their escape plan-removing a cell door off its track and breaking through a wall behind a toilet.
This series of incidents raises questions about security protocols and oversight within Louisiana’s correctional facilities. Local communities remain on edge as law enforcement continues their efforts to recapture those at large.
