A dramatic jailbreak in East Carroll Parish, Louisiana, concluded with the recapture of all eight escaped inmates, as confirmed by the Louisiana State Police on Saturday. The escape, which took place early Friday morning, left the community on edge as authorities launched a widespread manhunt.
The escapees, described by law enforcement as “violent offenders,” managed to flee the Riverbend Detention Center in the northeastern part of the state at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Friday. Their sudden disappearance sparked immediate action from state and local authorities.
On Friday, police successfully apprehended five of the escapees. By Saturday morning, the remaining three were also in custody, marking the end of a tense 24-hour search. The inmates who had broken free were identified as Savion Wheeler, 31; Hugo Molina, 27; Trenton Taplin, 29; Kolin Loney, 21; Kevin Slaughter Jr., 25; Destin Brogan, 22; Krisean Salinas, 21; and Kopelon Vicknair, 19.
Mug shots of the eight men were released by the Louisiana State Police to aid in their swift capture. The final four inmates to be caught—Loney, Slaughter, Brogan, and Vicknair—were subsequently transferred to the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, joining their fellow escapees who were already detained there.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by correctional facilities in maintaining security and the quick response required by law enforcement to manage such critical situations.
State police said the final four fugitives arrested — Loney, Slaughter, Brogan and Vicknair — were taken Saturday to the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, where they joined the other five captured inmates.
It is unclear how the men — three of whom are facing murder charges — escaped.
The apprehensions followed a Louisiana State Police CREST mission carried out in coordination with the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, Yazoo City Police Department, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Probation and Parole, U.S. Marshals Service, and FBI.
The fugitives were loaded onto a helicopter after their capture. (Louisiana State Police)
“We often speak about partnerships, collaboration, and the law enforcement family—standing shoulder to shoulder, especially in times of need. This past week tested that commitment, with challenges ranging from a severe winter storm to the escape of eight violent fugitives from the Riverbend Detention Center in East Carroll Parish,” state police wrote in a Facebook post.
Fugitives were pictured being walked to a helicopter after their capture. (Louisiana State Police)
“Throughout it all, law enforcement officers and first responders across Louisiana stood strong and united. Agencies worked seamlessly to protect residents and visitors, maintain public safety, and ultimately apprehend all eight fugitives,” they continued. “We are proud of what was accomplished together and remain committed to standing united to protect the public—no matter the challenge. One Team. One Dream. One Louisiana.”
A group of law enforcement officers were pictured near a helicopter used to transport the Louisiana fugitives. (Louisiana State Police)
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill applauded law enforcement’s efforts, calling their work “outstanding.”
“Thank you @LAStatePolice and to all our sheriffs and local law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in quickly recapturing the fugitives from the Riverbend Detention Center,” Murrill wrote in an X post.
