Today, four incarcerated felons fled from federal prison, reportedly killing seven adults and five children in the process. The four felons, who remain at large, are Darren Johnson, 38 years old, a 6-foot-tall black man weighing 170 pounds; Peter Ortega-Vàsquez, 42 years old, a 5-foot-10-inch Mexican man weighing 190 pounds; Philip Smith, 33 years old, a 6-foot-tall white man weighing 190 pounds, and Scott Smith, 28 years old, a 6-foot-tall Asian-American man weighing 170 pounds.
The felons, all male, reportedly escaped while closing a perimeter gate at the DC Central Detention Facility. On their escape, the four are reported to have killed seven adults and five children.
To further their escape, the men have broken into a nearby small bank and stolen the security guard’s car. They are currently on the run, hopefully taking turns in their getaway car, as authorities try to track them down.
FBI investigators have been interviewing ex- and present cellmates of the four felons to try to ascertain what may have motivated them during their escape.
Darren Johnson had recently done time for fraud and extortion. Prisoners described Darren as determined and ruthless, always seeking an opportunity for success, whatever it might cost him. His former cellmate, Mark Henderson, speculated that Darren was seeking a chance to become the ‘king of the streets’ despite the fact that he had already been found guilty of multiple serious crimes.
Peter Ortega-Vàsquez had been convicted of first-degree murder and was serving several life sentences. According to prisoners interviewed, Peter was a violent individual who had become more volatile and intimidating over the course of his incarceration. His former cellmate, Alex Abrams, suggested that Peter had finally seen an opportunity to escape and make a clean break from what he had been imprisoned for.
Philip Smith had an extensive record of criminal activity ranging from drug trafficking to robberies. In his prison profile, Philip was described as calculating and good at planning. His former cellmate, Josh Marshall, suggested that he may have seen the escape as a calculated risk that could ultimately benefit him, despite the dangers presented in making the escape.
Scott Smith was convicted of manslaughter and had recently been in solitary confinement. Other prisoners described him as isolated and socially awkward, but also very intelligent and determined. His former cellmate, Tommy Porter, speculated that Scott saw the escape as a form of redemption for his past wrongs, as if by escaping, he could finally be seen in a positive light by the public.
The FBI is urging all citizens to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or persons to the local police. They are continuing to investigate any and all leads relevant to the search for the four felons. At this time, the investigation is ongoing and authorities urge all citizens to stay safe.