An inmate who escaped from a hospital in Clayton County, Georgia, on Monday was recaptured on Wednesday after a massive manhunt. The inmate, identified as Darius Johnson, had been taken to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound he sustained during a robbery attempt.
How Johnson escaped from the hospital
According to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson was being guarded by two deputies at the Southern Regional Medical Center when he managed to slip out of his restraints and flee from the hospital. He ran across the street and jumped into a car that was waiting for him, driven by an accomplice. The deputies chased after him, but lost sight of the vehicle.
Johnson was considered armed and dangerous, as he had a history of violent crimes, including aggravated assault, armed robbery, and kidnapping. He was also wanted for a murder that occurred in DeKalb County in July.
How Johnson was recaptured on Wednesday
The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, along with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and other law enforcement agencies, launched a massive manhunt for Johnson and his accomplice. They followed several leads and tips from the public, and eventually located Johnson at a motel in Stockbridge, Georgia, on Wednesday morning.
A SWAT team surrounded the motel and ordered Johnson to surrender. After a brief standoff, Johnson came out of his room and was taken into custody without incident. His accomplice, identified as Tiffany Jones, was also arrested at the scene. Both Johnson and Jones are facing multiple charges, including escape, obstruction, and theft by receiving stolen property.
The reaction from the authorities and the public
The Clayton County Sheriff, Victor Hill, praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies and the public for helping to capture Johnson and Jones. He said that Johnson was a “dangerous menace to society” who had no regard for human life. He also thanked the hospital staff for their cooperation and assistance during the investigation.
The public also expressed their relief and gratitude on social media, commending the authorities for their swift and professional action. Some residents said that they had been living in fear since Johnson escaped, and that they felt safer knowing that he was back behind bars.
