Inmate Escapes from Job Site in Lewiston, Recaptured Hours Later

David Johnson, 42, was part of a work crew from Orofino Correctional Institution when he disappeared on Monday morning.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An inmate from the Orofino Correctional Institution in Idaho, 42-year-old David Johnson, walked away from a job site in Lewiston on Monday morning. Authorities reported that Johnson was located and back in custody around 4:30 pm the same day.

Why it matters

Inmate escapes, even from work details, are a serious concern for correctional facilities as they pose risks to public safety. This incident highlights the need for robust security measures and supervision when inmates are allowed outside of prison walls.

The details

Johnson had been part of a working group of inmates from the Orofino Correctional Institution when he disappeared from the job site near Thain Road sometime after 7:30 am on Monday. Authorities did not provide any additional details about how Johnson was able to escape or where he was found.

  • Johnson walked away from the job site in Lewiston on Monday morning around 7:30 am.
  • Johnson was located and back in custody around 4:30 pm on Monday.

The players

David Johnson

A 42-year-old inmate from the Orofino Correctional Institution who escaped from a work detail in Lewiston.

Orofino Correctional Institution

The Idaho state prison facility that Johnson was incarcerated at and from which he escaped.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Idaho Department of Correction will likely review security protocols for inmate work details and consider disciplinary actions for Johnson.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the challenges correctional facilities face in balancing rehabilitation programs that allow inmates outside work opportunities with the need to maintain strict security and prevent escapes that threaten public safety.