Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Press Release Re: Brian Francisco Roman Escape
A23-8168 – INMATE ESCAPE INVESTIGATION
On April 17, 2023, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Cowlitz County Corrections Department that an inmate had escaped from custody. Deputies responded to the jail and were informed that inmate Brian Francisco Roman, age 26, of Longview had escaped from custody by impersonating a cellmate who was scheduled to be released that day.
Deputies learned that when a corrections officer went to contact an inmate who was due to be released, all three inmates in the cell were asleep. When the corrections officer called for the inmate, Roman identified himself as that inmate and went with the corrections officer to be processed out of custody. Jail staff stated that Roman and the other inmate have similar physical features.
During the release process, Roman received property belonging to the other inmate and signed paperwork by forging that inmate’s name. Among the property turned over to Roman was the victim inmate’s clothing, keys, and wallet, which contained identification and a debit card. Corrections staff did not realize the wrong inmate had been released until the victim inmate contacted them to inquire about when he was to be released.
Local law enforcement agencies were notified and have been searching for Roman. Roman was last seen wearing a blue hoody sweatshirt, a black shirt, gray sweatpants, and brown slippers. The Cowlitz County Prosecutor’s Office has issued a warrant for Brian Francisco Roman’s arrest on charges of Escape 2nd Degree, Criminal Impersonation 1st Degree, Forgery, Theft 2nd Degree, and Theft 3rd Degree.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about Roman’s location to call 911.
Troy Brightbill
Chief Criminal Deputy
Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office