David Harris
Orlando Sentinel
An investigation determined Florida Department of Corrections officers did nothing wrong when an inmate escaped the Lake Correctional Institute, but suggested installing further security measures to stop a similar incident from happening again.
Alinton John, 34, escaped from the prison in May while he was working in the motor pool, which is outside the prison gates, the report by FDOC Office of the Inspector General.
John was among a group of fellow inmates who were working on some FDOC vehicles when he walked away. A passerby saw John walking down the street and went to alert corrections officers at the prison.
Corrections officers did a count of prisoners and realized John was missing. They told investigators there were usually two officers in the motor pool but there was only one that day.
The officer in charge said he last saw John working under a truck.
John stole a truck at a nearby home and drove away. He was on the lam for a little more than a day until he was caught by Orange County Sheriff’s deputies. He had a razor and two screwdrivers with him.
The report recommended a fence around the motor pool, putting ankle bracelets on inmates working outside the gates and having canine units at the facility so escapees can be tracked quicker. A FDOC spokesman said the suggestions are under consideration.
State records show John is serving a 15-year sentence for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In 2008, he pointed a gun at his ex-girlfriend’s head and pistol-whipped her, court records say.
John was charged with escape and grand theft. The case is pending.
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