Inmate convicted in Arizona switches IDs, escapes from Pacific Northwest jail
May 13, 2016, 11:06 AM
Michael Diontae Johnson (Arizona Department of Corrections Photo)
(Arizona Department of Corrections Photo)
PHOENIX — An inmate convicted on charges in Arizona escaped from a jail in the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, the Arizona Department of Corrections said.
The department said Michael Diontae Johnson, 30, escaped from the Clark County Jail in Vancouver, Washington. He was at the jail for court proceedings on a local charge, but switched identities with another inmate who was scheduled for release.
Michael Diontae Johnson (Clark Count Sheriff’s Office Photo)
“I can’t comment on the manner in which Johnson switched identities with the other inmate,” Clark County Undersheriff Mike Cooke said. “I can say, however, that this escape required prior planning and the active cooperation of the second inmate.”
Johnson, a Portland resident, was charged with harassment, assault, intimidating a witness and bail jumping.
Johnson was sentenced to 24 years in Maricopa County on kidnapping and aggravated assault charges.
The AZDCO said it is working with the U.S. Marshals to apprehend Johnson.
Johnson is a black male who stands 5-foot-6 and weighs about 175 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing dark pants, blue shoes, a blue shirt and a plaid long-sleeved shirt.
Anyone with information on Johnson’s whereabouts is asked to contact local authorities.
