Post by Scumhunter on Oct 27, 2015 1:50:28 GMT -5
(Pictured: Above: Left: Michael Salem circa 1980 Right: Age-progressed photo. Photo Credit: News.com.au)
"The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Florida Police Chiefs Association are offering a reward for information leading to the capture of Michael Salem, 65, for his 1980 escape from the Polk Correctional Institution. He is one of a dozen cold case prison escapees being featured during the “12 Days of Fugitives” campaign – a joint public outreach initiative by FDLE and DOC.
On Jan. 21, 1976, Salem was stopped by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office
(MCSO) and asked to produce identification. Salem held a sheriff’s deputy at gunpoint, stole his firearm, and forced him into Salem’s vehicle. The deputy escaped from the vehicle while Salem was driving away from the scene. Salem was arrested the same day by the MCSO and later charged with robbery, kidnapping, attempted murder, grand theft and possession of cannabis. He was sentenced to 15 years in the Polk County Correctional Institution.
Salem escaped from the Polk Correctional Institution April 6, 1980 by climbing over two perimeter fences and fleeing into a wooded area.
“Salem is attracted to tropical climates and beaches and lived in the Florida Keys in the 1970s,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge Jim Madden. “It’s likely that he could be living in Florida today.”
Salem is 5’11” and at the time of his escape was approximately 210 pounds. He has brown eyes and brown hair. Salem has used the aliases Michael Zildgen, James R. Hall, Bob Zell, Michael Ira Czofka, Michael Sildgen, Michael Czafka, John Thomas Dillashaw and John Dodge. He enjoys swimming and diving and once worked as a salvage diver. He also has some experience in carpentry.
Salem is featured today on digital billboards across the state. The Florida Outdoor Advertising Association and its network of member companies are broadcasting the faces of the fugitives and the tip line number throughout the campaign period. There are 90 digital billboard locations statewide.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the toll free tip line at 1-877-FLA-WANTED (1-877-352-9268) or e-mail FLAWanted@fdle.state.fl.us."
Thoughts? The above was from the FDLE's press release about this case via the Manatee Crime Watch blog. Salem was a web-exclusive case on AMW's old website. According to one article Salem was arrested in Australia in 1988 for trying to import LSD and Cocaine into the country. His identity wasn't known at the time, and he once again disappeared. Also, it should be noted, the articles are mainly from 5 or 6 years. As of our original posting date, Salem would be around 70 years old.
web.archive.org/web/20130624141139/http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=70560
manateecrime.blogspot.com/2009_12_01_archive.html
www.news.com.au/national/us-fugitive-michael-salem-may-be-living-in-australia/story-e6frfkvr-1225816177184
UPDATE: As of July 26th, 2018, Salem still has a warrant for flight escape according to Florida's public access wamted persons search. His name can also be found on there under the alias "Michael Zildgen": pas.fdle.state.fl.us/pas/restricted/PAS/person/WantedPersons.jsf
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