Police looking for escapee who gave them a fake name

Danville Police are looking for a suspect who escaped custody Tuesday night after giving police a fake name.

A man being held at the Danville Police Department for suspicion of trying to cash a stolen check. The man told police his name was Rueben Tony Cardwell because he knew they looked alike, said Cpl. Richardson with the Danville police. “They could be twins,“ said Richardson.

The suspect then managed to escape police custody and run away on foot.

Officers found Reuben Cardwell at his workplace and realized he had been a victim of identity theft.

Danville Police have now identified the escapee as Michael Jerome Barksdale, 46, of White Street in Danville. He has an outstanding warrant for felony shoplifting. He now faces charges of uttering, identity fraud and escaping custody which are all felonies.