Manhunt in Santa Clara for escaped jail inmate; accused child molester
An inmate booked on five counts of child molestation escaped from a Santa Clara County hospital Friday afternoon after overpowering and injuring a deputy, authorities said.
Johnell Carter, 40, escaped from the Valley Medical Center about 1 p.m., said Sgt. James Jensen, spokesman for the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.
Carter is described as African American; 5 feet 11, 220 pounds, with a shaved head and the name “Alice” tattooed on his neck, Jensen said.
Carter has been in jail since March 2014 on the child molestation charges, Jensen said.
It was unclear why Carter was in the hospital.
Authorities had a perimeter set up for hours after Carter escaped, but it has since been removed. “But we are going to continue to have a strong presence in the area until he is found,” Jensen said.
The deputy who was assaulted remains in the hospital with a shoulder injury, Jensen said.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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