Three teenagers who escaped from a youth detention center in Pennsylvania were apprehended after being involved in a violent robbery and shooting incident in Washington, D.C. The escapees, who had prior convictions for serious offenses, are now facing multiple charges as authorities continue to search for the third teen still at large.
Key Takeaways
- Three teens escaped from a Pennsylvania youth detention center.
- They were involved in a robbery and shooting shortly after arriving in D.C.
- Two of the escapees have been arrested; one remains at large.
- The teens had prior convictions for violent crimes.
Details of the Escape
On Sunday, May 21, 2025, three teenagers absconded from the Clock Tower Schools, a facility in Pennsylvania contracted by the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). Shortly after their escape, they stole a red Land Rover and drove back to Washington, D.C.
The group was reportedly joined by two other individuals upon their arrival in the District. Just hours after the escape, they were involved in a robbery and a nonfatal shooting of a man in the 700 block of Eighth Street NE.
Arrests Made
D.C. police quickly launched a manhunt for the escapees. By Tuesday, two of the teens had been arrested:
- Daijon Bourn (17 years old) – Charged as an adult with robbery and other offenses. Bourn has a history of violent crime, including a homicide conviction from 2022.
- Javontay Johnson (18 years old) – Arrested on Tuesday night and charged in connection with the escape and subsequent violence.
The third escapee, a 15-year-old boy, remains at large and is considered dangerous due to his prior conviction for robbery.
Background of the Escapees
Both Bourn and Johnson had been held at the detention center for serious offenses:
- Daijon Bourn: Convicted of voluntary manslaughter for the 2022 shooting of a teenager and involved in an attempted carjacking of a Washington Commanders player.
- Javontay Johnson: Convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon in juvenile court.
Their escape has raised concerns about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the safety of the community.
Community Reaction
The violent nature of the crimes committed shortly after their escape has left many residents feeling unsafe. Tyeisha Lucas, the mother of the homicide victim linked to Bourn, expressed her distress, stating, "This is re-traumatizing. He was supposed to be somewhere being rehabilitated and instead he is able to run away."
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the escape and the subsequent violent crime. The D.C. police are working closely with DYRS to ensure the remaining escapee is apprehended and to review security measures at the detention facility.
As the investigation unfolds, community leaders are calling for a reassessment of how juvenile offenders are managed and rehabilitated to prevent future incidents of this nature.
Sources
- Teens who fled youth detention involved in D.C. shooting, police say, The Washington Post.
- 2nd teen who escaped youth detention caught in DC, police say, WTOP.
