Eleven violent inmates have escaped from a Louisiana prison, with one having been recaptured and 10 still on the loose.
At around 8.30am Friday morning, eleven inmates considered ‘armed and dangerous’ were discovered missing during a routine head count at Orleans Parish Jail, according to the New Orleans Police Department.
The discovery prompted the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office to activate ’emergency protocols’ and launch a full-scale manhunt for the escapees.
While the exact method of escape remains unclear, authorities believe the inmates fled shortly after midnight.
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 11.30am, Louisiana State Troopers chased Myles on foot and recaptured him ‘without further incident’ after he was discovered hiding under 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
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
While the exact method of escape remains unclear, authorities believe the inmates fled shortly after midnight
At around 8.30am Friday morning, the inmates were discovered missing during a routine head count at Orleans Parish Jail
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.’
Corey Boyd, 20, pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge, WDHN reported.
