News Summary
In a significant security incident, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail during the early hours of Friday. The escape was discovered during a routine headcount eight hours later. One inmate, Kendall Myles, has been recaptured while authorities continue the manhunt for the remaining escapees, who are deemed ‘armed and dangerous.’ The sheriff highlighted concerns over potential internal assistance and deficiencies in jail security as investigations continue.
New Orleans – Ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans during the early hours of Friday, creating a significant security incident in the city’s correctional facility. The escape was discovered around 8:30 AM local time during a routine headcount, approximately eight and a half hours after the inmates broke free around midnight.
As of now, one of the escapees, identified as Kendall Myles, has been recaptured. Law enforcement authorities apprehended him in the French Quarter after he attempted to flee on foot and sought refuge under a parked car. Myles is currently being processed for a new charge of Simple Escape.
Sheriff Susan Hutson has indicated that the escape was unlikely to have been achieved without help from within the facility, raising concerns over potential security breaches. During the escape, the inmates managed to dislodge a sliding door and breach a wall behind a toilet, using a hole created by the removal of plumbing fixtures. Following their exit, they scaled a wall and ran across the highway.
Witnesses reported seeing the escapees discard their prison uniforms shortly before their dash across the interstate. The sheriff’s office has released photos that included taunting messages such as “To Easy LoL,” illustrating the audacity of the inmates.
In total, the correct number of escapees was confirmed to be ten, following initial reports that suggested eleven had fled. Authorities have classified all escapees as “armed and dangerous,” prompting a manhunt that involves the collaboration of Louisiana State Police, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals. Public caution has been advised, and individuals are encouraged to report any suspicious activity.
Sheriff Hutson has acknowledged deficiencies in the facility’s security, including malfunctioning locks, which may have facilitated the escape. Three staff members from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office have been suspended without pay as investigations continue into potential staff collaboration. Officials are examining communication records within the jail to determine if assistance was provided by employees.
The Orleans Parish Jail has been operating at reduced capacity, at about 60% staffing, which complicates the ability to monitor inmates effectively. Additionally, the facility is undergoing renovations, and reports indicate that approximately one-third of security cameras were inoperable at the time of the escape, exacerbating the situation.
Lawmakers and officials are calling for a thorough investigation into the escape and accountability for the lapses in security that allowed these inmates to flee. The charges against the escapees vary considerably, with many facing serious offenses, including murder and other violent crimes.
As the investigation unfolds, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has outlined plans to enhance security measures and address ongoing infrastructure issues. Governor Jeff Landry has remarked that authorities are determined to recapture all escapees.
With the situation developing, the sheriff’s office has faced criticism for the delayed public notification after the inmates were discovered missing. Efforts continue to not only locate the remaining escapees but also to ensure that such an incident does not happen again in the future.
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Additional Resources
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- Wikipedia: New Orleans Jail Escape
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- Google Search: New Orleans Jail Escape
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans Jail
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