Share this @internewscast.com

Editor’s note: The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office revised the initial count of escapees to 10, as an inmate initially thought to have escaped is still within the facility.

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Authorities are advising local residents to stay vigilant following the escape of ten inmates from a New Orleans jail on Friday. As of 8:30 p.m. ET, nine inmates are still at large.

The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) reported that the absence of the inmates was noticed at approximately 8:30 a.m. during a routine headcount at the Orleans Justice Center.

OPSO deputies and partnering state law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the following escapees.

  • Antoine Massey, 33
    • Charges: Domestic abuse battery/strangulation, theft of motor vehicle, parole violation
  • Lenton Vanburen, 27
    • Charges: Illegal carrying weapons, illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, obstruction of justice, introducing contraband into prison
  • Leo Tate, 31
    • Charges: Simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, possession of a firearm, illegal carrying of a weapon with a controlled substance
  • Derrick Groves, 27
    • Charges: Second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder
  • Jermaine Donald, 42
    • Charges: Second-degree murder, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm
  • Corey Boyd, 20
    • Charges: Second-degree murder, aggravated battery
  • Dkenen Dennis, 24
  • Gary Price, 21
  • Robert Moody, 21

As of Friday afternoon, authorities had recaptured one inmate, 20-year-old Kendell Myles, who New Orleans Police Dept. Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said was located in the touristy French Quarter district thanks to facial recognition technology.

“After a brief foot pursuit, he was apprehended on Royal Street,” State Police said. “Troopers continue working with partners to locate the remaining escapees and ensure public safety.”

The public is being advised to stay alert and aware and to not approach the individuals.

OPSO Sheriff Susan Hutson said in a news conference that a full investigation has been launched into how the escape occurred and that they will review facility protocol and security measures.

“Any lapses or failures that contributed to this incident will be addressed swiftly and with full accountability,” said Hutson.

OPSO officials released a set of images of a hole in the wall from which they believe the inmates escaped. One photo shows a drawing of an arrow pointing to a hole in the wall, under which someone wrote “To[sic] easy LOL.”

Hutson addressed the lapse in security citing defective locks on the cell. She adds that the escapees possibly received assistance from individuals inside the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“At approximately 12:23 a.m., the detainees began tampering with a locked cell door, ultimately breaking it open. A Correctional Monitoring Technician in the Control Module was present, but the detainees were able to breach a wall behind a toilet in their housing unit which was out of view. The detainees exited the jail through a door at approximately 1:01 a.m., scaling a wall and running across the interstate shortly after. Video surveillance confirms that they exited through a door in the docks where supplies are brought into the jail,” said Hutson.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said Friday that there was no excuse and that “someone clearly dropped the ball.”

It’s all hands on deck. The first priority in any escape must be the immediate capture of the inmates and coordination with state and local law enforcement — but that effort cannot come at the expense of timely notification to the public,  which is also critical to keeping communities safe. My office will do whatever it takes to determine how this happened and make sure that it won’t happen again. I am calling for a full investigation – This is beyond unacceptable, and once these offenders are back in custody, there must be real accountability.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill

NOPD jail escape news conference

Edwin Shorty, Orleans parish constable and candidate for sheriff, accused authorities of failing to notify residents of the escape for “hours after the breach,” calling the alleged delay “a failure in communication that could have put lives in jeopardy.”

Kirkpatrick said during a news conference that her officers were not alerted of the escape until 10:30 a.m. She added that anyone found to have helped the escapees will also be charged.

“You will be charged as an accomplice. I’m sure that the district attorney who has spoken in the past about harboring a fugitive, will take it very seriously. We will take you into custody unless you cooperate with us,” said Kirkpatrick.

This is a developing story; refresh for updates.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

DoorDash customer reportedly inflicts $10K worth of damage to driver’s vehicle

A Milwaukee woman is facing a felony charge after she allegedly caused…

California Parole Board Rejects Erik Menendez’s Release Request Citing Poor Conduct in Prison

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Erik Menendez was denied parole Thursday after serving…

Uganda Reaches Agreement with US to Accept Deported Migrants Without Criminal Records

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) Uganda has reached an agreement with the United States…

Meth and 76 Pills Confiscated During Welfare Check by BVPD

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — Various drugs, including meth and pills, were seized…

Savannah Welcomes New Goodwill Boutique Opening

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — A new upscale thrift store will open in…

Pence Advocates for Stringent Sanctions on Russia to Back Trump’s Peace Initiatives

WASHINGTON () Former Vice President Mike Pence stated on Thursday that Congress…

Subcontractor Passes Away at Fort Bliss Holding Facility

An employee working for a subcontractor at the recently opened Camp East…

TBI Probes Accusations of Embezzlement Against Ex-Greene County Educator

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has launched a probe into claims…

Texas Senate Set to Vote on Proposed Changes to District Maps

() The Texas state Senate will vote on a bill that would…

Missing Baby’s Parents Face Harassment and Death Threats

() Parents of missing California baby Emmanuel Haro say they are being…

Man Admits to Hitting and Shooting Teacher Near Little Rock School: Court Documents Reveal

In LITTLE ROCK, Ark., new court documents filed on Thursday shed light…

Vance Promotes Republican Tax Proposal During Georgia Visit

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. () Vice President JD Vance visited Peachtree City, Georgia,…