In a jaw-dropping series of events that shook New Orleans, nine out of ten inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center have now been captured — but one final inmate is still on the loose, and the search continues. The daring escape has left the city on high alert as law enforcement works around the clock to bring the last fugitive back into custody.
The mass breakout has sparked public outrage and raised serious concerns about how such a large-scale security breach could happen inside one of the city’s main jails.
How Did the Inmates Escape?
The jailbreak didn’t happen all at once. According to officials, 10 inmates managed to flee over several days, taking advantage of security lapses and possible weaknesses in the jail’s structure. Some reports suggest that the facility may have been understaffed, making it easier for the inmates to slip through undetected.
Authorities are still investigating the exact timeline and method of the escape. But one thing is clear — it was not just one mistake. It was a serious breakdown in safety protocols.
9 Captured, But One Remains Missing
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the ninth inmate was captured late Sunday night, just outside of New Orleans. Law enforcement had been tracking him for days and finally caught him hiding near an abandoned building.
Now, only one escapee remains on the run, and officials have labeled him “dangerous and possibly armed.” He was originally being held on serious felony charges including assault with a weapon and resisting arrest.
Public Urged to Stay Vigilant
With one inmate still missing, police are urging residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. Increased patrols have been deployed across several neighborhoods, especially near the jail and areas where the other inmates were found.
In a statement, Sheriff Susan Hutson said:
“We will not rest until the final inmate is located and returned to custody. The safety of our community is our top priority.”
Jail Conditions Under Fire
This escape has brought renewed criticism toward the Orleans Justice Center, which has faced long-standing issues like poor infrastructure, staff shortages, and overcrowding.
Advocacy groups and community leaders are now calling for a full investigation into the jail’s operations. Many say this escape proves the facility is in desperate need of reform and better oversight.