Eleven violent inmates have escaped from a Louisiana prison, with one having been recaptured and 10 still on the loose.
At about 8:30 a.m. on Friday, a routine head count at Orleans Parish Jail revealed that eleven inmates, deemed ‘armed and dangerous,’ were missing, as reported by the New Orleans Police Department.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson stated that the inmates had escaped by breaking through a wall behind a toilet in their cell. Authorities suspect that the inmates may have received assistance and believe the escape occurred shortly after midnight.
The discovery prompted the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office to activate ’emergency protocols’ and launch a full-scale manhunt for the escapees.
One inmate, 20-year-old Kendell Myles, has since been apprehended after he was caught on surveillance footage in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
At 11:30 a.m., Louisiana State Troopers pursued Myles on foot and successfully recaptured him ‘without further incident’ after finding him beneath a car at the Hotel Monteleone parking garage.
The remaining 10 escapees are still at large and believed to be within the city. Authorities are urging the public not to approach them if spotted, as they may be dangerous.
‘We are actively working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in a full-scale search operation,’ Sheriff Susan Hutson said.
Eleven violent inmates considered ‘armed and dangerous’ have escaped from Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans, Louisiana, with one having been recaptured and 10 still on the loose
According to Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, the inmates managed to escape from their cell after breaching a wall behind a toilet. Authorities believe that they fled shortly after midnight, and may have had help
One inmate, 20-year-old Kendell Myles (pictured), has since been apprehended after he was caught on surveillance footage in the French Quarter of New Orleans
The Sheriff’s Office has also launched an investigation into how the inmates escaped, which will include a review of facility protocols, staff performance and physical security measures, according to Hutson.
‘Any lapses or failures that contributed to this incident will be addressed swiftly and with full accountability,’ she said.
The bold escape sparked sharp criticism from officials, who questioned why the public wasn’t immediately notified once authorities became aware of the breakout.
In a statement on social media, Louisiana’s Attorney General Liz Murrill said: ‘Someone clearly dropped the ball, and there’s no excuse for this’.
‘This is beyond unacceptable, and once these offenders are back in custody, there must be real accountability,’ she added.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams described the escape as ‘an unprecedented failure’, WDSU reported. He also of convening a grand jury to determine who may have been involved.
‘I’ve got a deep fear right now for people who were brave enough to come forward to testify in these cases,’ he told the outlet.
‘This is a very dangerous situation that has only been made more dangerous because of the poor leadership and lack of transparency.’
At around 8.30am Friday morning, the inmates were discovered missing during a routine head count at Orleans Parish Jail
The discovery prompted the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office to activate ’emergency protocols’ and launch a full-scale manhunt for the escapees
The remaining 10 escapees are still at large and believed to be within the city. Authorities are urging the public not to approach them if spotted, as they may be dangerous
However, Maj. Silas Phipps Jr., head of the Sheriff’s Office investigative bureau, stated that as of now, officials are ‘working every angle’ to locate the inmates.
‘I just want to remind the public and anyone that may be assisting them that, if we identify you and can prove that you are assisting them, we will prosecute you along with them to the fullest extent of the law,’ he said.
New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said that some victims connected to the escapees – several of whom are facing murder charges or other violent charges – were notified about the incident, CBS News reported.
In the wake of the jailbreak, police relocated one family from their home to ensure their safety.
The New Orleans police – along with its violent offender warrant squad, the FBI, the US Marshals and the Louisiana State Police – have all joined the search for the offenders, all of whom are considered violent and housed on the same jail tier.
Kirkpatrick also cautioned the public that it was highly unlikely the criminals were still wearing their jumpsuits.
Corey Boyd, 20, pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge, WDHN reported.
