The quick actions of local and surrounding law enforcement agencies this morning has led to the capture of an escaped Natchitoches Parish Detention Center DOC inmate that carjacked a vehicle to aid in his escape according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

This morning at approximately 5:39am, Natchitoches Parish Detention Center Corrections Officers discovered an escape from the facility.

Shortly afterwards at approximately 5:53am, Natchitoches Police responded to a carjacking on the parking lot of a local business near the detention center.

During the carjacking, a blue 2006 Honda CRV bearing an undisclosed license plate number was stolen by the escapee to aid in his escape.

Corrections Division staff immediately identified the escapee and provided information to NATCOM 911 Center for law enforcement BOLO messages.

DOC officials were notified of the escape.

A heavy law enforcement presence of deputies, correctional officers, city police and other agencies began to actively search for 42-year-old Johnny Martin, B/M, Hgt/601, Wgt/170, with black short hair and brown eyes last seen wearing NPDC issued khaki clothing.

Martin who had ties to Ferriday, Rapides and Concordia Parishes was serving a 20-year DOC sentence for forcible rape and 2nd degree kidnapping. He was scheduled for release in 2023 and served as a trustee inside the corrections facility.

Martin escaped by breeching a fence in his work area according to Major Roger Henson.

NPSO detectives were able to positively identify Martin as the suspect involved in the carjacking through video evidence.

During the course of the investigation, detectives believed Martin was attempting to travel south and intelligence gathered confirmed that information.

Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Louisiana State Police and the US Marshal’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit were summoned to assist in the investigation.

Shortly after 8:15am this morning, law enforcement agencies in Rapides Parish captured Martin in the Pineville area after a brief pursuit.

There were no injuries.

Johnny Martin, 42, of the Ferriday area will be booked into the Rapides Parish Jail and transferred back to face additional felony charges of simple escape, carjacking, etc. in Natchitoches Parish.

We would like to thank the Natchitoches Police Department, Pineville Police Department, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, Louisiana State Police and US Marshal’s Office for their assistance and quick apprehension of Martin.