Authorities are searching for a man who escaped March 12 from a San Diego cell, according to a statement released by the police department.

Dandre Lamonte Johnson, 27, was arrested as part of a VICE operation. No further information was given as to why he was detained.

He had been secured with two pairs of handcuffs and was staying at an unsecured holding cell that was being monitored by officers at the time of his escape, police said.

Dandre Lamonte Johnson, 27. (San Diego Police)

He escaped by simply opening the holding cell’s door and running out of the San Diego Police Department’s Central Division station.

Police have initiated a search with officers, K-9 units as well as via helicopter surveillance. However, they’ve not found the arrestee.

Mr. Johnson is described as a 6-foot-1 black man weighing 180 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, pants and tennis shoes.

Police are urging anyone with information that might help locate Mr. Johnson to contact them at 619-744-9500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

City News Service contributed to this article.