By Kolawole Ojebisi
Prison Authorities have disclosed how ten inmates serving various jail terms escaped from a New Orleans, United States prison early Friday.
Highlighting how the incident happened, the authorities stressed that it began at around 12:22am when the inmates tampered with a cell door before navigating through a hole behind a toilet.
The statement from the authorities added that this development has prompted “a manhunt and raised serious concerns about security breaches and possible internal assistance”.
According to the statement, surveillance footage later showed them (the escapees) entering the compromised cell and slipping through a hole in the wall behind a toilet.
“They exited through a loading dock, scaled a barbed-wire fence using blankets, and fled toward nearby railroad tracks and Interstate 10.
“We have made progress,” said Orleans Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick.
Detailing the progress made so far, the authorities noted that three of the escapees have since been captured.
While revealing the identities of the recaptured inmates and their offences, the statement said Kendell Myles, facing charges of attempted second-degree murder, was found hiding under a vehicle in a French Quarter hotel garage.
Robert Moody was apprehended later that day, although officials have not disclosed further details about his arrest.
A third escapee, Dkenan Dennis, was located near Chef Menteur Highway.
“Eight inmates remain at large, including four charged with second-degree murder: Corey Boyd, Lenton Vanburen, Jermaine Donald, and Derrick Groves.”
Initial reports had indicated that 11 inmates had escaped, but officials later clarified that one had been relocated to another cell.
Speaking further on the incident, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson confirmed the escape was not discovered until a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m.
He added that Federal and State law enforcement agencies were alerted shortly afterwards, with New Orleans police receiving notification by 10:30 a.m.
Investigators believe the jailbreak was aided by someone within the facility. “It’s almost impossible to escape from this facility without assistance,” Hutson said. Faulty cell locks are also suspected to have contributed to the breach.
Discarded orange jail uniforms were found in a nearby neighbourhood, suggesting the escapees may have changed clothes shortly after fleeing the jail.
