One escapee was recaptured after a foot chase, with officials facing scrutiny over delayed public warning.
Authorities in Louisiana are scrambling to track down 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans, with one fugitive already recaptured following a foot chase through the city’s French Quarter, officials confirmed on Friday.
The breakout was discovered during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m. on May 16, when officials realized that 11 inmates were unaccounted for, according to the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO). The missing men include several facing serious charges such as murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, and false imprisonment.
“Immediately upon discovery, OPSO activated emergency protocols and launched a coordinated response to locate and return these individuals to custody,” Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson told reporters at a press conference Friday.
The escapees were identified as Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen, Leo Tate, Kendell Myles, Derrick Groves, Jermaine Donald, Corey Boyd, Gary Price, Robert Moody, Dkenan Dennis, and Keith Lewis. Myles, who was previously charged with attempted second-degree murder, was captured after briefly fleeing from Louisiana state troopers who confronted him on the street, the Louisiana State Police said in a statement.
“As Troopers attempted to make contact, the individual fled on foot. After a brief pursuit, the escapee was apprehended on Royal Street without further incident,” state police said in the statement.
Hutson said a full-scale investigation is now underway to determine how the inmates managed to flee the jail.
“We are launching a full investigation to determine how this escape occurred, including reviewing facility protocols, staff performance, and physical security measures,” Hutson said. “Any lapses or failures that contributed to this incident will be addressed swiftly and with full accountability.”
The sheriff’s office is coordinating with local police, state troopers, U.S. marshals, and the FBI as the search intensifies. Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick of the New Orleans Police Department said her agency has launched “a full court effort” to support the manhunt and warned that the escapees likely received outside help.
By Tom Ozimek
