Inmate escapes Washington jail by posing as cellmate, fooling guards

A 26-year-old inmate, Brian Francisco Roman, convicted for drug dealing, made a daring escape from a Cowlitz County jail in Washington by casually strolling out the front door on Monday.

Roman successfully fooled guards into thinking he was his lookalike cellmate, who was set to be released that day.

According to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, Roman, who is from Longview, Washington, is currently on the run after his not-so-subtle escape.

The incident occurred when a corrections officer entered Roman’s cell and found three inmates asleep.

The officer called out the cellmate’s name, but it was Roman who woke up and identified himself as the cellmate. He then went with the corrections officers to be processed out of custody.

The County Sheriff’s Office stated that Roman and his cellmate shared “similar physical features,” making it difficult for the officers to tell the difference.

Roman maintained his imposter act and even forged his cellmate’s signatures on the discharge paperwork.

He was then given his cellmate’s property, including clothing, keys, and wallet, which contained his cellmate’s ID and debit card.

CCTV surveillance captured Roman leaving the Cowlitz County jail while dressed in his cellmate’s clothing and clutching some forms.

Prison guards only realized the mix-up when Roman’s cellmate signaled them and asked when he was going to be released.

It is unclear at this time if the cellmate was involved in aiding Roman’s escape.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Roman’s arrest, adding charges of escape, criminal impersonation, forgery, and theft.

Authorities describe Roman as last seen wearing a blue hoodie, a black shirt, gray sweatpants, and brown slippers.

The daring escape of Brian Francisco Roman has left authorities and jail officials in Cowlitz County stunned, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and verification processes in correctional facilities to prevent such incidents in the future.