An accused killer has once again escaped from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.
"The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is actively searching for an inmate who escaped from the jail." according to a news release. "Tra’Von Johnson, 19 of Tickfaw, was awaiting trial for his alleged role in a 2022 Hammond-area home invasion that killed a man and injured the victim’s child."
TPSO says Johnson is also one of the four inmates who escaped from the facility a year ago this month.
Just like last time, jailers didn't even know he had escaped for some time after he got out.
Officials say just before 10pm last night a concerned citizen called to let police know Johnson had apparently broken out again.
"TPSO received a call from the public questioning whether Johnson was still in custody. Following an immediate headcount of the jail population and a review of Johnson’s movements throughout the day, it was determined Johnson escaped around 4:30 p.m. when another inmate helped lift him over the perimeter fence."
After last year's escape the sheriff ordered reinforced fences, a lot of additional razor wire and new procedures to prevent similar escapes. Those measures did not work in preventing Johnson from breaking out again.
This time he did not have company when he fled the facility.
"Jail staff confirmed Johnson was the only inmate missing and the investigation into the escape, from beginning to end, began."
TPSO is asking for help finding Johnson again.
"Johnson is described as a black male with brown eyes, standing 5’5” and weighing around 120 lbs. He is from the Tickfaw area and has ties to the Hammond-Pumpkin Center area. If anyone sees Tra’Von Johnson, or has information about his location, or those who may be assisting him, contact TPSO by calling 911 if inside of the parish; if outside of the parish, please contact our dispatch center at 985-345-6150."
You contact also contact Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa’s tip line at 1-800-554-5245 or visit www.tangicrimestoppers.com and click on the P3 Tips icon or Submit A Tip.
