John Kiedrowski III, 59, who escaped from Walton Correctional Institution on Saturday, has been apprehended in St. Johns County. Kiedrowski’s escape triggered a multi-agency search effort involving the Florida Department of Corrections, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and DeFuniak Springs Police Department.
Kiedrowski was last seen on prison grounds around 10:00 AM on Saturday. Surveillance footage showed him being picked up in a dark-colored Chrysler 200 shortly before 11:00 AM. The vehicle was later located, and two individuals were detained for aiding in his escape. They were identified as Michael Bratton, 43, and Shawna Perkins, 45, both of Freeport, Florida.
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Kiedrowski’s prison ID was found in the vicinity of LECOM, suggesting he may have been dropped off in that area. K-9 teams and drones were deployed to search for him.
Kiedrowski was serving time for multiple charges, including aggravated assault, firearm possession, attempted burglary, and grand theft. He has a history of violence, including a prior conviction for battery on a law enforcement officer.
The Florida Department of Corrections expressed gratitude for the cooperation of all agencies involved in the search and apprehension of Kiedrowski.
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