Authorities in Washington state are on high alert after a prisoner escaped from custody at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for the second time since May — raising fresh questions about inmate transport procedures at one of the nation’s busiest travel hubs.
Who is the escaped inmate?
The fugitive, identified as 20-year-old burglary convict John Nino, was being transferred from a New Mexico prison to community supervision in Washington on Tuesday morning when he bolted.
According to Port of Seattle officials, Nino was with two corrections officers on the fourth floor of the airport parking garage when he made a sudden dash toward the Link light rail station. He then crossed a pedestrian bridge, ran across nearby railroad tracks, and disappeared toward Highway 99.
Officials say Nino was last seen wearing a red coat, has a cursive tattoo above his right eyebrow, and stands at 6 feet 2 inches, 154 pounds. He is considered dangerous, and the public is urged to call 911 with any sightings.
How the escape unfolded
Authorities say the escape happened quickly and without warning:
- Location: Fourth floor of Sea-Tac’s parking garage.
- Timing: Tuesday morning, August 12.
- Route: Light rail access bridge → railroad tracks → Highway 99.
Nino had previously violated community supervision terms by failing to attend mandatory meetings with his corrections officer. His initial burglary conviction had already resulted in prison time before his recent arrest in New Mexico.
Why this case is raising concerns
This is not an isolated incident. Just over three months ago, on May 4, another inmate, 29-year-old Sedric Stevenson, escaped from corrections officers at the same airport. Stevenson, charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer, methamphetamine possession, and illegal firearm possession, was caught on camera boarding the light rail in shackles. He remained at large for more than six weeks before being recaptured in June.
The repeated escapes have prompted questions about:
- Security protocols during inmate transfers through civilian areas.
- Airport access points that allow quick movement from secure zones to public transportation.
- Officer-to-inmate ratios during high-risk prisoner movements.
Potential vulnerabilities at Sea-Tac
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a major hub not only for commercial passengers but also for law enforcement prisoner transfers. The light rail station’s proximity to the parking garage offers potential escape routes if an inmate slips free.
Security experts note that open-air pedestrian bridges, mixed-use spaces, and public transit access can create opportunities for rapid evasion if escorting officers are momentarily distracted.
What happens next
The Washington State Department of Corrections and the Port of Seattle Police are coordinating a manhunt for Nino, with assistance from regional law enforcement agencies. Surveillance footage from the garage, light rail platforms, and nearby streets is being reviewed.
Authorities have urged the public not to approach the suspect and to report any sightings immediately. The investigation is also examining whether procedural changes are needed to prevent a third escape.
