Search for fugitive continues; airport surveillance video shows moment he escaped custody

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As law enforcement continues to search for an inmate who escaped custody on Tuesday, Nov. 9, we're getting a look at the surveillance video from the moment it happened. 

Robert Johnson Junior was being transferred from Texas to Wisconsin by a private company. 

According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, two unarmed civilians were escorting Johnson to Rock County. Johnson said he had to use the restroom while at Mitchell International Airport. One of the men escorted Johnson, and he was able to rush him and exit the airport. 

The sheriff says the Florida transportation company did not coordinate their arrival in Milwaukee with local law enforcement on the ground. Sheriff Earnell Lucas expressed his concern for the way the inmate was handled. 

"We need to look at what transpired there," said Lucas. "The US Marshals is conducting an investigation and trying to apprehend the individual and get him back in custody, but in the meantime there was some procedures there that need to be looked at to ensure the safety of the flying public." 

Video from the airport shows Johnson running out of a door as he is chased by the employee. 

We reached out to the US Marshals Service, but they referred us to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office as the lead investigative agency.