In a major security breach, ten inmates escaped from a New Orleans jail by creating a hole behind a toilet and scaling the perimeter wall, leaving authorities scrambling to recapture them while facing criticism for delayed public notification.
At a Glance
- Three escapees (Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis) have been recaptured and transported to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola
- Seven inmates remain at large as the search continues across New Orleans
- The escape occurred early Friday morning from the Orleans Justice Center complex
- One recaptured inmate required a spit hood during transfer due to hostile behavior
- Authorities urge citizens to contact Crimestoppers, the FBI, or 911 with any information
Three Escapees Recaptured as Manhunt Continues
Louisiana State Police have successfully recaptured three of the ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish jail. The captured inmates, identified as Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis, have been transported out of New Orleans via helicopter to a more secure state correctional facility.
Sources indicate the three men were transferred to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, known for its higher security protocols. During the transfer operation, one of the recaptured inmates displayed aggressive behavior, requiring officers to use a spit hood as a safety precaution.
The transport by helicopter rather than ground vehicle represents the serious nature of the security concern these inmates pose. Officials have not disclosed which of the three men required the additional restraint measures. The successful recapture operation marks a critical first step in resolving what has become a major public safety incident in New Orleans, though the majority of escapees remain unaccounted for.
Details of the Escape and Ongoing Investigation
The inmates executed their escape during the early morning hours on Friday from the Orleans Justice Center complex. According to preliminary reports, the group created a makeshift hole behind a toilet in their cell block before making their way to and over the facility’s perimeter wall. The coordinated nature of the escape has raised significant questions about security protocols at the detention center, which houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders.
Law enforcement officials face mounting criticism for the delay in notifying the public about the escape. Hours passed between the actual jailbreak and the official announcement, potentially giving the escapees critical time to disperse throughout the city or beyond. Authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation into how such a breach occurred and what security improvements are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Community Safety and Public Assistance
With seven dangerous inmates still at large, New Orleans residents are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately. The escaped inmates pose a significant public safety risk, and authorities have mobilized additional resources to accelerate the search efforts. Citizens are advised to contact Crimestoppers, the FBI, or simply dial 911 if they have information about the whereabouts of any escapees.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that members of the public should not approach any individuals they suspect might be the escaped inmates, as they should be considered dangerous. Instead, residents should maintain awareness of their surroundings and report detailed information that could assist in the recapture efforts. The coordination between local police, Louisiana State Police, and federal authorities highlights the serious nature of the ongoing manhunt.
Next Steps in Securing the Detention Facility
Officials at the Orleans Justice Center are conducting a comprehensive security assessment following this significant breach. The escape has exposed vulnerabilities in the facility’s infrastructure and monitoring systems that allowed ten inmates to coordinate and execute their plan. Local law enforcement leaders have committed to implementing immediate measures to strengthen security while the search for the remaining escapees continues.
Community leaders are calling for transparency regarding the circumstances that led to this breach and the delayed notification to the public. As the investigation progresses, attention will focus not only on recapturing the remaining fugitives but also on preventing future security failures at one of New Orleans’ primary detention facilities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing correctional institutions and the critical importance of maintaining effective security protocols.
