KINGSTON POLICE GIVE DETAILS ON SATURDAY’S ROANE COUNTY JAIL ESCAPEE
From the Kingston Police Department:
KINGSTON, TN – A large-scale search effort ended Saturday afternoon with the capture of 29-year-old Benjamin Ray Johnson, who escaped from the Roane County Jail earlier in the day. Law enforcement officers swarmed the city of Kingston in pursuit of Johnson, who managed to flee from the jail’s recreational area.
According to Chief Deputy Tim Phillips, Johnson climbed over the jail’s fence and made his way toward the Ladd Landing area, near the restrooms by the walking track on a hill approximately one mile from the jail. Authorities launched an extensive manhunt, and after about an hour and a half, dispatch reported that a man matching Johnson’s description was seen crossing the interstate into a wooded area.
Phillips responded to Ladd Landing, where he spotted Johnson and immediately alerted other officers to his location. Detective Art Wolf and a K9 unit quickly closed in on Johnson, commanding him to surrender. Johnson complied and was taken into custody without further incident.
Johnson was originally incarcerated at the Roane County Jail in October 2024 following his arrest by the Rockwood Police Department on charges of illegal drug possession, firearm violations, and being a fugitive from justice. In addition to those charges, he now faces an escape charge.
Chief Deputy Phillips expressed his gratitude to all agencies that assisted in the search and apprehension, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Rockwood Police, Kingston Police, and the Roane County Sheriff’s Department.
Johnson’s listing at the Roane County Sheriff’s Office Database reads:
Benjamin Ray Johnson
Age: 29
Race: W
Sex: M
Booking Number: 29189
Booked: 10/03/2024
Released:
Arresting Agency: ROCKWOOD – TN0730400
Arresting Date/Time: 10/02/2024 23:15
Bond: $500,000.00
1 – Methamphetamine – Manufacture, Delivery, Sell Or PossessOffense Date: 10/02/2024Bond: $150,000.00Bond Type: Bail BondCharging Agency:2 – Fugitive From JusticeOffense Date: 10/02/2024Bond: $180,000.00Bond Type: Appearance BondCharging Agency:3 – Simple Possession Or Casual ExchangeOffense Date: 10/02/2024Bond: $10,000.00Bond Type: Bail BondCharging Agency:4 – Possession of firearm during attempt to commit dangerous felonyOffense Date: 10/02/2024Bond: $75,000.00Bond Type: Bail BondCharging Agency:5 – Unlawful Possession of a firearm by person convicted of felony drug offense or violent felonyOffense Date: 10/02/2024Bond: $50,000.00Bond Type: Bail BondCharging Agency:6 – Driving While In Possession Of MethamphetamineOffense Date: 10/02/2024Bond: $25,000.00Bond Type: Bail BondCharging Agency:7 – Unlawful Possession Of Drug ParaphernaliaOffense Date: 10/02/2024Bond: $10,000.00Bond Type: Bail BondCharging Agency:
