The damage caused during the escape at Orleans Parish Jail, highlighting security concerns.
A significant security breach at Orleans Parish Jail resulted in the escape of ten inmates early Friday morning, initiating a citywide manhunt. The escape was discovered during a routine head count, where the inmates managed to breach a wall and forcibly exit through a loading door. Authorities suspect possible complicity from jail staff, given the facility’s ongoing security issues, low staffing, and aging infrastructure. While three escapees have been recaptured, the search continues for the remaining individuals, raising concerns about public safety and calls for jail reform.
New Orleans – In a major security breach, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail early Friday morning. The escape was discovered during a routine head count at 8:30 a.m. local time, which initially reported the escape of eleven inmates. However, officials later confirmed that the number is ten. This alarming incident has raised serious questions about the jail’s security and management.
The escape took place shortly after midnight, specifically around 12:23 a.m. The inmates managed to breach a wall behind a toilet, using tampered toiletry items to facilitate their getaway. They forcibly removed a sliding jail cell door off its track, creating a sufficient gap to squeeze through. Surveillance video captured the inmates exiting through a loading door and crossing the interstate wall around 1:01 a.m. Some of the escapees left graffiti messages on the wall, including a statement that read, “Too easy, LOL.”
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson indicated that it would be nearly impossible for the inmates to escape without assistance from individuals within the jail, suggesting possible complicity from jail staff or deputies. The facility has been experiencing significant challenges, including aging infrastructure and low staffing levels, which are reported to be only 60% of adequate forces. Currently, there are just four supervisors and 36 staff members overseeing around 1,400 inmates.
In response to the escape, three jail employees have been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. Authorities have also confirmed the capture of three escapees: Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis. Myles was located hiding under a car in a hotel parking garage, while Moody was apprehended after a Crime Stoppers tip led to his discovery. Dennis was subsequently taken into custody later that Friday evening. Police believe the remaining seven inmates are still in the New Orleans area.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals, are actively involved in the manhunt for the remaining escapees. Authorities have issued warnings that anyone who harbors or assists the fugitives will face criminal charges. To aid in the search, the FBI is offering up to $5,000, and Crime Stoppers is providing an additional $2,000 reward for information leading to the capture of each escapee.
The troubled state of the Orleans Parish Jail has prompted calls for reform. The sheriff’s office has been requesting upgrades to prison security for the last five years, estimating a need of $5.2 million to replace faulty locks and enhance safety measures. The Orleans Parish District Attorney has voiced concerns about the facility’s severe shortcomings in meeting its fundamental responsibilities towards inmate safety and public security.
The delay in notifying the public about the escape has also raised safety concerns among local residents and victims of the escapees. The situation has led to increased scrutiny of the jail’s operations and has sparked calls for a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability among law enforcement and jail personnel. Louisiana’s Attorney General has emphasized the necessity for a thorough inquiry to address the circumstances surrounding the escape.
As the manhunt progresses, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of community vigilance and encourage residents to report any suspicious activity that could be linked to escapees.
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