The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is actively searching for a dangerous inmate who fled the parish jail yesterday.
Tra’Von Johnson, 19, of Tickfaw, managed to leave the facility with the help of another inmate, who assisted him in scaling the perimeter fence around 4:30 p.m.
Johnson was awaiting trial in connection with a 2022 home invasion in the Hammond area that resulted in the death of a man and injuries to a child.
This marks the second time Johnson has escaped from the facility; he was also among four inmates who broke out in May of the previous year.
The sheriff’s office was alerted just before 10 p.m. on May 22 after receiving a public inquiry about Johnson’s custodial status. A prompt headcount and review of jail surveillance confirmed his absence.
Law enforcement agencies across the region have been mobilized to locate Johnson. Officials are also working to notify victims and coordinate with Johnson’s family and associates.
Johnson is described as a Black male with brown eyes, standing approximately 5’5” and weighing around 120 pounds. He is known to frequent the Tickfaw and Hammond-Pumpkin Center areas. Residents are urged to report any sightings or information related to Johnson’s whereabouts. Those within Tangipahoa Parish should call 911, while individuals outside the parish can contact TPSO dispatch at 985-345-6150. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa by calling 1-800-554-5245 or visiting www.tangicrimestoppers.com.
Tips leading to Johnson’s capture may be eligible for a reward.
