Site last updated: Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Teen tried to escape detention facility to attend father's funeral

State police say a teenager broke out of a northern Butler County juvenile detention center because he wanted to attend the funeral of his father, who was shot dead last week.

Chace Johnson, 18, of Pittsburgh got about four miles from the Western Pa Child Care facility in Allegheny Township before police caught him Friday night in a wooded area along Interstate 80.

Johnson immediately disclosed his reason for breaking out.

"He said he wanted to go to his father's funeral and he was afraid he wouldn't be able to attend," Trooper Jessica Clouse said.

Johnson's father, Corey Johnson, 37, of Uniontown, Fayette County was one of two men fatally shot at a Uniontown house Thursday. Uniontown police continue to investigate the shooting.

The younger Johnson and his alleged accomplice, Anthony Blackwell, 20, of Pittsburgh, are both in the Butler County Prison on escape charges. Johnson is also charged with criminal mischief.

Police said both men fled the youth facility about 7:30 p.m. Blackwell was caught by Western Pa staff a short distance from the center on Route 38.

Like Johnson, Blackwell offered police a confession and a motive.

"He admitted he was the decoy," Clouse said.

Once outside, as they planned, Blackwell ran in direction and Johnson ran the opposite way.

Blackwell didn't get far.

"He said, 'I'm out of shape. I just gave up.'" Clouse said.

He also acknowledged he made a bad decision.

"He said, 'I know what I did was wrong,'" Clouse said. "But I thought it was worth it."

More in Digital Media Exclusive

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS