CLERMONT, Fla. — Deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department responded to the area of the Lake Correctional Institution after receiving reports of an escaped prisoner.
According to a press release, 34-year-old Alinton John escaped from the prison Thursday afternoon and is believed to be driving a stolen silver 2001 Toyota pickup truck with a Florida license plate, number JHWC97.
The owner of the stolen vehicle believes there may have been a firearm in the truck at the time it was stolen but is unsure.
Lake County deputies joined the manhunt along with Lake County K-9 officers, prison officials, Florida Highway Patrol troopers, and officers from surrounding police departments to find John.
John is described as a black male weighing 170 pounds and is six foot two inches tall. He has a tattoo of a footprint with the name “Aliyana” on his left chest area.
Details on how John escaped from custody are not available at this time and officials are still investigating.
John was serving a 15-year sentence for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He had been incarcerated at the Lake Correctional Institute since February 12, 2009.
Residents are asked to keep their homes and vehicles locked and to report any suspicious activity by calling 911.
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