Sheriff's Deputies Arrest Man Who Escaped From Jail

Update: The Franklin County Sheriff's Office said Ricky Johnson, Jr. is in custody.

According to Pelton, at approximately 2 p.m. a citizen spotted Johnson running in the area of Prairie Dell Road and Denmark Road. Two Franklin County detectives located him in Stable Stone Subdivision in Union. 

Johnson surrendered to authorities. A warrant was obtained for escape from confinement and bond has been set at $100,000.

"The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the citizens for calling in and the following agencies for their assistance St. Louis County, St. Charles County, The U.S. Marshall Service, The Department of Corrections K-9 teams, The Franklin County Narcotics and violent Crimes Unit, The Washington, St. Clair, Union and Pacific Police Departments," Pelton said.

Franklin County Sheriff Steve Pelton reported Wednesday morning that an inmate escaped through a rear door of the jail facility.

Authorities are searching for Ricky A. Johnson, Jr., 37. Johnson is approximately 6-feet tall, 160 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes and a goatee. Johnson was wearing blue pants and a white t-shirt.

According to Pelton, around 6 a.m. a civilian kitchen staff member opened the door. As she unlocked it, Johnson, who was assigned as a kitchen trustee, ran out the door. 

Johnson was being held for probation violations for receiving stolen property, property damage, burglary and theft.

Anyone with information should contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at 636-583-2560.