Urgent Alert: Dangerous Felon Escapes Transport Van in Indianapolis

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A serious violent felon managed to escape police custody in Indianapolis while being transported to the Marion County Jail, authorities have confirmed. The suspect is currently at large.

At approximately 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, sheriff’s deputies responded to a jailbreak report at 695 Justice Way, the location of the Marion County Criminal Justice Campus. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department was also called in to assist in the search for the missing inmate from the Criminal Justice Campus.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the escape occurred around 11:15 a.m. when the suspect leaped from the back of a transport van as it was on its way to the campus. The suspect then fled on foot heading north. At the time of the escape, the man was under the supervision of Marion County Community Corrections.

The fugitive has been identified as Diontae Green, a 35-year-old male, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. At the time of his escape, he was wearing handcuffs, leg shackles, a black jacket, and blue jeans.

Police said drones are now being used to search for Green. Marion County sheriff’s deputies and K9s were seen along Southeastern Avenue searching a nearby homeless encampment around 1 p.m.

Police also provided the following image of an immediate search area on the city’s near east side.

Green was under arrest for an outstanding warrant issued Tuesday morning. The warrant out of Marion County was for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, a level 4 felony.

“Green was sentenced to Marion County Community Corrections Work Release,” a Community Corrections official said. “Green was being transported for an active warrant that had been issued based on a Violation filed by Marion County Community Corrections. He was in trip gear at the time of the escape, meaning he was handcuffed by both his wrists and ankles.”

Court records show Green has an extensive criminal history in Marion County, having been booked into jail at least 18 times since 2006. He was first convicted of armed robbery and carjacking at the age of 16. To read his full rap sheet, click here.

Anyone with information on Green’s whereabouts or escape is asked to immediately call 911. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-TIPS.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement Tuesday afternoon confirming that Green was not in MCSO custody at the time of the escape.

“Community Corrections is an independent agency and is not overseen by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office or Sheriff Kerry Forestal,” the statement read. “Multiple agencies are assisting in attempting to locate Green.”

MCSO said that the Marion County Community Corrections Agency is the lead investigating body on this case and directed all questions to them. IMPD also later clarified that the man escaped from Community Corrections and was not in another agency’s custody.

Around 1 p.m., officials with Indianapolis Public Schools confirmed that no buildings would be going under any sort of lockdown.