Wanted Washington man escapes jail after impersonating inmate, authorities say

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Cowlitz County jail inmate is on the run after escaping custody on Monday by impersonating another inmate due for release, according to Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.

Before the escape, a corrections officer tried to contact the inmate due for release. However, three inmates were asleep in the cell, officials said. As the officer called for the inmate, 26-year-old Brian Francisco Roman identified himself as the inmate and was processed out of custody, Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office said.

According to jail staff, Roman and the other inmate have similar physical features.

“Our understanding from interviewing the jail staff involved was that these two had similar physical features,” said Chief Criminal Deputy Troy Brightbill. “Apparently, that inmate was due to be released, but was asleep. And when the corrections officer called his name, Mr. Roman answered and identified himself as that inmate.”

During the release, Roman received property belonging to the other inmate — including clothing, keys and a wallet with an ID and a debit card – and signed paperwork forging their name, the sheriff’s office said.

Officials claim they did not realize they released Roman until the inmate asked when he was going to be released.

“I’m sure that on the jail side, they will be reviewing their policies and procedures, but it’s a very rare event. It’s not going to be a good move in the long term. This person’s going to be found, they’re going to be taken into custody, and I don’t think he’s going to receive a lot of sympathy for whatever excuse he might have for his actions,” Brightbill said.

Local law enforcement agencies have been searching for Roman, who was last seen wearing a blue hoody sweatshirt, a black shirt, gray sweatpants and brown slippers, officials said.

A warrant has been issued for Roman’s arrest on charges of second-degree escape, first-degree criminal impersonation, forgery and second and third-degree theft. He was originally in jail on drug dealing charges and for failing to appear in court.

“Our other law enforcement agencies in the area are searching for this subject and we aim to have him back in custody as soon as we can,” Brightbill said.

The correct inmate was let out of jail, but authorities aren’t releasing his name yet since he was a victim in this case.

Anyone with information about Roman’s location is asked to call 911.